Q&A with Advancement

Brittani Spencer, Major Gifts Officer and Carey Byrnes, Annual Giving Officer

When did you start working at SA?

B: July 2020

C: May 2022

Provide a brief description of your role/responsibilities:

We are responsible for generating annual and endowed philanthropic revenue for the Academy. Together we build and maintain relationships among all of our constituent groups and enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the school. We are actively involved in the planning and execution of events like the annual auction and golf outing, days of giving, as well as coordinating sponsorships, planned gifts, memorials, scholarships, and special and transformational giving.

What is your experience prior to SA?

B: I was the Development Director at St. Bernard Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, where I led advancement and alumni efforts. Before moving to Nashville, I spent 4.5 years at the University of Pittsburgh working in development for the School of Medicine. I started working in the field in 2012 with the Hemophilia Foundation as their Fundraising and Events Manager.

C: I was also with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as a Senior Development Associate where I worked on event sponsorships as well as class, individual, student, and planned giving. Prior to that, I spent 13 years in various roles with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium including marketing, development, and visitor services.

What made you want to work in Advancement?

B: I knew I had a passion for this work after taking an Intro to Nonprofit Management course in college. This course enabled us to work closely with an organization to develop a strategic fundraising plan. Working in advancement is challenging yet rewarding, knowing all of your efforts have a direct and immediate impact on the organization.

C: I enjoy building relationships and hearing about other people’s experiences and the impact that their school and its faculty and staff have had on their lives.

What has been your favorite fundraiser to date and why?

B: The 2022 Auction, A Night at the Drive-In, was my favorite fundraiser to plan and execute. Our planning committee went above and beyond to make sure that the event was a success. The energy in the room the night of the event was immeasurable. I am hopeful that the 2023 Auction will be even more successful!

C: On a personal side, my husband and I organized a pancake breakfast for his nephew who was battling childhood leukemia. The outpouring of support, donations, and volunteers, and being able to see our community come together, was so emotionally rewarding. I’m happy to share that he is in remission. Professionally, the UPMC Celebrity Golf Classic was probably my favorite, especially working with the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation.

Why should someone donate to SA?

At SA, we are working to build a culture of philanthropy. Our financial goals matter, of course, but what matters the most is having involvement from our entire community. We aspire to achieve 100% community participation to support our amazing students and inspiring faculty members.

What do you want our donors to know?

Dollars donated to SA, specifically through the Annual Fund (rebranded in 2022-23 as the SA Fund), directly impact the student experience. They are used for improvements to campus, to provide professional development opportunities and support for our faculty members, and so much more. This fund fills the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Sewickley Academy education, thereby offsetting significant tuition increases and benefiting every student.

What makes SA donors special?

Both of us have worked for much larger organizations, and, in comparison, the community of donors and prospective donors at SA, while smaller, is more tight-knit and engaged. SA donors have a special commitment to the school’s legacy and to academic excellence.