Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/249166
DOUG PICHA President, Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation Doug Picha oversees fundraising for Seattle Children's. More than $900 million has been raised since he began with the organization in 1980. His tenure recently included the largest-ever donation to the organization, made this past November. Doug joined the WAC in 1978. Q How would you compare the economic climate for nonprofits and foundations today to the climate of five years ago? In 2009, everyone was rightfully concerned about their own financial status. No one person or organization was immune to the economic downturn. Even those with great wealth in their personal portfolio felt poorer. Thus, giving was down by a third or more. It was a tough time. The result of that recession experience is still felt today. I think people are more tempered in their giving even though the market has rebounded. Q Where do you see giving moving in the next five years? I see legacy giving—bequests, living trusts, etcetera— becoming more central and critical to all nonprofits. This is a reflection of both our baby boomers getting older and a deeper understanding that philanthropy is all about building enduring, long-term relationships. Q What advice might you have for someone seeking to enter the nonprofit or foundation world today? Pick a couple of areas within the not-for-profit sector about which you are passionate. Identify several organizations from those two sectors with whom you think you are aligned, and for whom you could see yourself working. Try to focus your networking with these organizations in mind. Find a boss or colleague who could ideally be your mentor—someone who cares about you and your development. That's much more important than what you're paid, especially in the infancy of your career. Q What are some of the unique challenges you face in your work and how have those evolved in the past few years? Seattle Children's has enjoyed a long history of incredible volunteers and philanthropic support. We need that to continue more than ever today and in the future. Health care is big business, which could lead people to incorrectly believe their small gift might not matter. Our case for support must stand on its own and be more convincing than ever. Our culture of philanthropy is at the core of who we are and 32 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 I never leave home without … I can't believe I'm saying this: my iPhone. My secret to success is … Personally, I married well. Professionally, I always put the mission first … and I married well. My favorite place at the WAC is … I have three: the library, the basketball court, and the third is a secret. what makes us unique. Ultimately, it's the reason we can deliver on the promise of our mission. Q Q If you could give one piece of business advice to a fresh college graduate, what would it be? Ask more questions. Be a great listener. Talk less. Where do your own business and social lives intersect with the WAC? The WAC is a central part of my day. We live on Bainbridge Island, and I start my mornings by working out at the WAC. Most work days that is followed by a business meeting at Torchy's. It's very convenient and a great way to begin my day.