Rosalyn Markovitz has had an active career in development for more than 35 years. She began as a volunteer fundraiser and quickly learned to love the art of the ask. Her first major gift was in the mid-1980’s. It was a gift for $100,000 from a family who had never given the organization more than $10. Roz knew the impact this gift would have, and at that moment she discovered that fundraising was her passion. She learned two lessons quickly: never underestimate an individual’s ability to give; and when the circumstances are right, a major gift is possible.

 

Roz’s volunteer role lead to a full-time job at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where her responsibilities included raising more than $1 million annually for free care through campaigns held in conjunction with KDKA-TV and Radio and the Pittsburgh Press Old Newsboys. For the hospital’s 100th anniversary, Roz organized a dinner at LeMont Restaurant in Pittsburgh hosted by seven celebrity chefs from around the country. The $1,000 tickets were sold out before the invitations were mailed. Over the years, Roz grew in her experience and secured many planned gifts as well as individual major gifts.

 

A former Outstanding Fund Raising Executive of the Year, Roz has worked for multiple nonprofits including UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh. She was very active in the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, having spent several years serving the Pittsburgh chapter as chair.

 

Today, Roz’s fundraising passion continues to inspire nonprofit organizations across the community to fulfill their dreams of advancing their goals.