D.A.P. to welcome new fundraising executive 

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – May 15, 2009)

Sue Knollenberg, CFRE, will be joining Desert AIDS Project on May 26 as Director of Resource Development. She is one of less than 4,600 people in the U.S. who has earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, the only internationally-recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives. With her 21-year tenure in development, Sue’s experience includes corporate and foundation relations, major gifts, and leading a capital campaign. Her past focus on community health care and health care foundations is what drew her to Desert AIDS Project.

“We’re so excited that Sue is joining us. Her health care background is highly appropriate to some of the new goals D.A.P. has set for itself,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director. “As we continue to expand our services to meet the needs of the 400+ new clients projected annually for the next few years, we must look to new and different ways to sustain ourselves financially. I think Sue’s skill set will be invaluable in implementing those plans.”    

Sue is a native of Minnesota and moved to Palm Desert in February 2008 to assume the position of Executive Director of Development at University of California – Riverside’s Palm Desert Graduate Center. Outside of the office, Sue’s interests include yoga and learning more about desert gardening to beautify the landscape around the home she shares with her partner, Marsha, and their two dogs.  

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.