It’s hard to describe Ann Paton. The reason is simply that her accomplishments overshadow her persona.
It’s not hard to pick her out in a crowd though. She’s the statuesque blonde with two-tone hair color and an expressive fashionista vibe.
Paton is a lot of things to a lot of people. She’s a cheerleader for nonprofit organizations that need help rais-ing funds for a myriad of causes.
After a distinguished career in fundraising, market-ing, donor relations and strategic planning, Paton con-tinues to spread the wealth of her knowledge around to those who need her.
She has worked for some of the most prestigious universities and nonprofits, making her a treasure chest of knowledge and corporate savoir-faire. To an outsider she could easily be compared to an action figure.
Why you ask?
Because Paton is always in motion for the good guys, the underdog and those who need protection or proliferation. Her resume is peppered with words like spearheaded, completed, initiated, developed, creat-ed and advised. As a matter of fact, if her resume was a book it would have two volumes.
Born in New Mexico and raised in Massachusetts, Paton moved around quite often. She lived in New Hampshire (where she said there were more cows than people), Providence, Rhode Island, Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
Paton has worked her way up the ladder and then took an elevator to greater heights for a cause or a population. She started out at a radio station working in the marketing department and was a finalist for a CLIO Award (for best regional radio campaign).
From there she took the Ivy League route as the Director of Special Development Programs, Annual Giving and Alumni relations for Dartmouth Medical School and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. It was there Paton (and her staff) raised funds and awareness for alumni participation, major gifts and everything else that an action hero would do (sans the cape).
She was also Executive Dean for Advancement at Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. While at Brown, Paton (and her team) surpassed a landmark medical school campaign goal of $70 million.
After years of living in the Northeast, Paton got a job offer at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. She was named VP for Advancement and Executive VP of the FAU Foundation.
She wasn’t fazed by their nine colleges or seven campuses from Ft. Lauderdale to Port St. Lucie. She embraced it.
The reason is that Paton has an enormous ability to multi-task and tap into her adaptive nonprofit brain-power. Though she is humble in demeanor, she is pro-active in her ability and desire to make a difference.
“I believe I was born with a proclivity to give. I always wanted to share with others. It felt like a natural way to open doors and forge relationships.”
It sure is. Paton is so adept at building relationships that she could apply for a contractors’ license. Her partner at Ann Paton and Associates, Patty Greenspan, has seen her gifts close up.
“What makes Ann so special is her rare combination of intelligence, compassion and unwavering commitment to service. She brings a deep sense of purpose and warmth to everything she does. It inspires those around her to dream bigger and do better.”
Though dreaming is not an action verb used on résumés, it’s a big part of Paton’s success and resilience to overcome obstacles. She did that for Florida Atlantic University.
She is also the co-dreamer-in-chief for nonprofit member Ewa Maas’s Non-Profit STARTpbc. As a mentor and member of the planning committee for the Delray Beach Chamber’s Nonprofit Council, Paton supports nonprofits seeking knowledge and financial footing.
“At our Nonprofit Council meetings there is often standing room only. These meetings give nonprofits the support and collaboration to keep going. I love that organization, it has a big piece of my heart.”
Paton may sprinkle particles of her kind heart in the hallways of the Delray Chamber, but she also leaves a hearty imprint on those nearby.
“Ann is wise, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable. She leads with her heart and is always willing to help our nonprofits. We are so fortunate to have her as part of our Chamber, our council, and our community,” said Lynn Van Lenten of the Delray Chamber.
Paton’s imprint can also be seen on other nonprofits that uplift and uphold humanity. One of those is an organization called “Bound For College.” It is in six Palm Beach County High Schools and provides support to en-sure low-income students go to college.
As CEO of Ann Paton and Associates, Bound for College is a client. But often the dividing line between fundraiser, nonprofit leadership and friendship collides in a good way. That’s what happened with Ann Paton and CEO Mark Sauer. The two worked together until Marks’ untimely passing. “I am proud of the leadership, fellow-ship and fundraising savvy we shared,” adds Paton.
When asked about Sauer tears cloud Paton’s eyes. Their bond was one of admiration and administration combined with humanistic heroism. CEO Donna Sauer now holds the reigns to the Bound for College domain and is smitten (and supported) by this nonprofit guru.
“Annie and Mark were more than just business colleagues, they were friends. Annie stepped right in to guide me in every aspect of our non-profit. She is the epitome of grace, professionalism and knowledge in the changing landscape of the Non-Profit world. She has introduced us to community leaders and donors. I am deeply indebted to her,” said Donna Sauer.
The same could be said about Roots and Wings. Pa-ton has sprinkled her nonprofit fairy dust on this organization as well.
Founder Ted Hoskinson has seen Paton as a savior and savvy businesswoman.
“Ann and I have similar interest in providing children with the educational support they need to thrive. I received Impact 100 grants and the State Farm grant. I count on Ann to weigh in on messaging and provide helpful fundraising advice on occasion. She is an incredibly caring individual who is always trying to help others!”
When asked what her motivation is for her endless support for nonprofits, her response is much deeper than meets the eye. “My daughter Casey was born with a hole in her heart which meant she would need open-heart surgery when she was five. When she was almost five, the hole in her heart closed up on its own. It felt like a miracle had occurred. I told myself I would do good in the world as a way to say, ‘thank you’ for this miracle.”
Paton has kept her word. She is resolute in her determination to help nonprofits until the final bell rings. “I will be doing this until I can’t walk. I’ll have my crazy hair and a walker, but I’ll continue to use the knowledge I gained from all the people I’ve met and worked with.”
One of those people is Jack Lansing. He worked with Paton at the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for The Everglades. Like everyone else in her orbit, Lan-sing thinks the world of this award-winning fundraiser-businesswoman.
“Annie is a guiding light to me. She’s a good listener, a connector extraordinaire and is well rounded and well educated. Ann is like Mary Popins; she is practically perfect in every way,” said the managing partner of the Lansing Hutcheon Wealth Management Group at UBS.
For her work and dedication in helping others, Paton has won many awards and adoration from those who know her. She has been called a brilliant businesswom-an, a visionary, a leader and a woman of integrity.
If there was an ethereal cheering squad it would firmly be planted by her side.
