Name: Ashley Miller
Company: American Heart Association
Title: Director of Corporate Relations
Education: Eastern Carolina University, Bachelor’s in social work

What was the most significant grant you have received for your current employer? 
I joined the association in September 2009. Since then, we have received many gifts, including a generous donation from New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Their donation was a sponsorship spot
for the Oct. 16 Heart Walk for which the medical center donated $15,000 and [it] has contributed $5,000 for the annual Heart Ball.

How has the economic downturn changed the importance of development to your nonprofit?
The economic downturn has given me the opportunity to better educate potential donors about the association and its work.
As for my preparation, I feel that I have to be smarter in my research when recognizing individuals who will donate. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America, so who isn’t affected? So I educate my potential donors on why this cause is so important to them.
I am also focusing on volunteer recruitment because volunteers are great at spreading the word about the association. Volunteer recruitment is key.