MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ROSEMARY MILLER

Could you tell us who you are and what it is that you do?

I'm Rosemary and I'm director of development at The Trace, a nonprofit journalism organization focused on gun violence. Our team is spread out nationally, with our Managing Director and small fundraising team all here in Charlottesville (sharing an office near the kitchen!). The work of the development team is raising our $5M+ budget each year through grants, individual giving, and events. Outside of work, I'm baking, hiking, traveling, and trying to keep up with my kids. 

What do you love about the work?

My favorite part of any job is connecting with good people. Our team is outstanding, and our donors are wonderful - generous, thoughtful, and kind. In fundraising, the biggest joy comes from helping people have a meaningful impact, and it's been very gratifying to see funders support this work in a big way.  

How did you arrive at this point in your career? What’s your backstory?

My whole career has been in fundraising. Apparently this is atypical for the industry, but I've always wanted to do this, and I love it. I've been in various fundraising roles at small and large organizations including Darden, Carnegie Hall, The Paramount, The Charlottesville Free Clinic, and most recently at VPM (big NPR/PBS nerd over here). Along the way, I'm always looking for an organization that aligns with my values and has a mission I'd be excited to support myself. You really can't raise money for something you don't believe in. Being a small part of The Trace's impact in the gun violence space is the way I can lend my skills to create a better world. The gun crisis in this country feels overwhelming, but there are solutions, and it's a joy to help move this work forward. 

Has there been a light switch moment, a turning point (or two), professionally &/or personally along the way? 

When I was working at Carnegie Hall in New York, it was fun to work at a big institution, but I didn't feel like I was having much impact. The team was massive, the events were grand, the traditions were deep. I had grown up in Charlottesville, and decided to work at smaller orgs when I moved back. I realized that, while Carnegie had bigger names come through the door, it was more gratifying to work at smaller organizations like The Paramount and get to know donors more personally. Now I feel fortunate to be at the sweet spot: an organization making a difference on a national scale, but small enough to be able to connect with people individually.   

Having kids makes you reassess and reprioritize everything, so I did make changes after each of my kids was born to realign with what worked better for my family overall. I haven't had any big professional pivots, but feel like I've moved closer and closer towards what I love doing.    

Who or what has been your greatest influence? 

I get together regularly with a small group of women who also work in nonprofits in Charlottesville. We all come with our challenges, celebrations, and big questions. We give each other feedback and support, and figure out the tricky situations together. We've helped each other navigate a lot and I take so much wisdom from them. 

What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

The Trace is putting on a gun violence solutions forum this fall in Philadelphia, which is pretty exciting. We haven't done many events as an organization, and it's been nice to engage with donors and partners through events recently. Our donor base is across the country, so it's not always easy to connect in-person as much as we'd like. We're also celebrating the organization's 10th anniversary, which has had some fun opportunities. 

What are you reading these days? 

Currently reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. My favorite book of the summer was The Light Pirate, which I haven't been able to stop thinking about. My son and I are also making our way through Harry Potter together.  

Anything we missed that you might care to share (closing thoughts)?

If anyone is curious about the gun violence work I mentioned, you can sign up for our newsletters. I've learned so much since joining the team last year. I'm also always up for a coffee with other folks working here, and promise I won't ask you for a donation.