2003-2004 Sanky Perlowin Memorial Scholarship Award

Barbara Giordano

Excerpts from nomination submitted by Elena Megaro, U.S. Fund for UNICEF:

It is my great pleasure to have known Barbara Giordano both personally and professionally for two years. I find her to be intelligent, hard-working and a joy to be around. She has shown significant growth and interest in the direct marketing field and I know we can expect great things from her as she continues in what promises to be a remarkable career.

I was Barbara’s supervisor at The New York Public Library for one year. At the time, she was Assistant Manager, Friends Program. Her numerous responsibilities included managing the Library’s annual dream raffle—a significant source of revenue for the library and a favorite appeal of their donors. Barbara handled everything from securing the prizes, to working with consultants and designers to make sure the direct mail piece was extraordinary, to overseeing the production of the mailing and the fulfillment of the prizes.

Barbara spearheaded the Library’s web giving program and I am convinced that without her enthusiasm for the project and her hard work the Library might not have the web giving presence it does today. Barbara took on this project in her spare time and made sure to learn everything she could about internet marketing and integrating the web into the Library’s direct marketing program. She let the Web committee, worked with the technology team and never gave up, despite lots of roadblocks and other demands on her time. I was truly amazed at what she was able to accomplish once she put her mind to it.

She also managed the Mercator Society, a direct marketing program for the Library’s Map Division, in which she developed a renewal series and coordinated very successful donor events. Barbara worked with me on all of the Friends programs and events and was a quick learner, always able to anticipate the needs of the donors and to give them the types of lectures, luncheons and trips that they raved about and recommended to their friends.

When I left the library, I was thrilled to learn that Barbara was promoted to my old job as Coordinator. In her new role, Barbara now is more involved in direct mail strategy and copy decisions and managing the fundraising aspect of the Friends program. We still remain friends and often speak about each other’s work. She continues to excel in her responsibilities at the Library.

I’ve been fortunate to work with Barbara and witness the tremendous growth she’s shown in the direct marketing field. I believe her enthusiasm and intelligence will take her far, and that we as direct marketers should encourage her to stay in our field—we certainly need her talents and her charming personality.

I am proud to nominate Barbara Giordano for the 2003 Sanky Perlowin Memorial Scholarship Fund.