Welcome Laurie Thompson!

We’re excited to announce that Laurie Thompson joined the CAMP Rehoboth staff (on July 5) as Development Manager. We talked with her about what attracted her to this area—and to CAMP Rehoboth—and her near-term priorities.

CAMP Rehoboth: What attracted you to apply for the role of Development Manager?

Laurie Thompson: Initially, I was attracted to the role of Development Manager at CAMP Rehoboth because of its mission to Create A More Positive Rehoboth that is inclusive of all. I love that the mission promotes cooperation and understanding among all people in Rehoboth Beach and the wider community. 

In light of recent SCOTUS rulings, now more than ever it is important to feel connected to an organization that advocates, encourages, and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion for all regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

CR: What brought you to the area?

LT: The beach is what beckoned me to move to this area. My love of the ocean began during my childhood, having lived in Maine close to the coast. I continued to spend time at the beach after moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and spent many family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland.

Fast forward to 2020 and during COVID my husband realized that he could work remotely. So rather than wait until retirement to move here, we were able to move up our timeline. Last year we began building a home and just moved to Ocean View, Delaware at the end of June.

I am thrilled to be working in Rehoboth Beach and spending part of every lunch walking on the boardwalk and/or exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. 

CR: Over the past 20 years you have been involved with developing and implementing fundraising programs for a small college and a nonprofit organization. How will you leverage your expertise to raise the funds necessary to enable CAMP Rehoboth to achieve its mission?

LT: I am excited to use my knowledge and experience in donor relations as a foundation to build a comprehensive donor relations program that will include recognizing and engaging with our donors.  

I am pleased that CAMP has already purchased Donor Perfect software that will be integral to providing the essential data needed to build upon our existing donor relations program. The data will provide metrics that will help us to strategize what the fundraising needs are for CAMP Rehoboth.

CR: What are your priorities over the next six months?

LT: My priorities over the next few months will be to meet with the Board of Directors, committee members, volunteers, and staff to listen and learn about the successes as well as the challenges facing CAMP Rehoboth. I believe that COVID forced many nonprofit organizations to evaluate their processes and programs and how they serve their communities.

I also look forward to meeting and connecting with donors, members, organizations, and businesses in Rehoboth and the wider community. In my short time here, it has been heartwarming to witness the generosity from the Rehoboth community and their commitment to support CAMP Rehoboth.

CR: What skills do you think are important for a Development Manager?

LT: I think it is important to be passionate about CAMP’s mission and to spend time listening to donors and gather feedback about what is important to them.

In addition, it is imperative to be honest and transparent with our donors. I will create a donor bill of rights that will provide an overview of what they can expect from CAMP Rehoboth. The donor bill of rights will include a promise from CAMP Rehoboth to be good stewards of the donations we receive from our generous donors.

CR: How will you define success as the Development Manager?

LT: I define success as an ongoing process, and I will work with the Development Committee to build a successful donor relations program where donors will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways with CAMP Rehoboth. 

CR: Can you tell us a little about your family?

LT: My husband, Matthew, and I just celebrated 37 years of marriage and we have two sons, Joshua and Zachary, and a COVID kitty named Fritzi. ▼

Laurie can be reached by calling the office (302-227-5620) or by emailing her at laurie@camprehoboth.com.