Our Team

Laura MacDonald, CFRE
President

Laura MacDonald is a certified fundraising executive with more than 20 years' experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and philanthropy. She has served as the vice president and creative director of a national fundraising firm, chief development officer in arts and higher education, and as a key volunteer for community organizations.

In 1999, she established Benefactors Counsel LLC, a firm based in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. to serve the needs of those who serve the common good: nonprofit institutions, donors, and civic leaders. She is currently working with arts, culture, and educational institutions; human service organizations; women's funds; and others working to improve the quality of life.

Prior to establishing Benefactors Counsel, Ms. MacDonald was chief development officer at The Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts where she helped the organization secure its largest-ever corporate sponsorship and foundation grant and highest membership. During her tenure she also served as a senior development officer in the University's $1.2 billion capital campaign.

Earlier in her career, she worked in corporate communications and television production. An accomplished writer, she has guided the production of award-winning print and video materials and earned recognition from the American Association of Museums, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, International Television Association, and others.

She is a frequent speaker at local, regional, and national conferences and has written articles related to advancement and philanthropy. She is active in her community and profession and serves on volunteer boards and committees including the American Association of Museums' national Development and Membership Executive Committee. A member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she was named the Central Ohio chapter's "Fundraising Professional of the Year" in 2007.

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