The ARRL is pleased to welcome Individual Giving Manager Lauren Clarke to the Headquarters staff in Newington. Lauren -- who will be working in the ARRL Development Office -- will be taking over the many funds in the Development Office, such as the Diamond Club, the Education & Technology Fund, the Spectrum Defense Fund and the W1AW Endowment Fund. This will allow ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, to shift her focus to the ARRL Second Century Campaign.

Though Lauren comes to the ARRL with more than 20 years experience in non-profit fundraising, this is her first experience with a technology organization. “My background has been primarily focused on the social services and arts side of the coin,” she said. “I’ve worked with the United Way, the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the Wadsworth Athenaeum. I am very excited to be here at the ARRL. The League does wonderful work and it is wonderful to see how our members embrace it and Amateur Radio.”

Lauren expressed her appreciation to the ARRL volunteers, members and staff who have welcomed her here at ARRL Headquarters: “Everyone has all been very welcoming and helpful as I learn about Amateur Radio and work toward getting my Amateur Radio license. We are definitely a team in the Development Office, and I hope to build on the hard work of Mary and Development Associates Margie Bourgoin, KB1DCO, and Maryann Macdonald to continue raising funds to support the ARRL’s initiatives.”

As she learns more about the ARRL and Amateur Radio, Lauren said she finds that her primary interest is Emergency Communications and the ARES® program. “With so many terrible storms and natural disasters that have hit the US and other countries recently, I am proud to be associated with an organization that supports the volunteers who quickly step in to help people and their communities during these disasters,” she explained. “I am looking forward to the Dayton Hamvention® in May and meeting many of our members and donors in person.”

“When Lauren joined the Development staff, she dove right in, working on the departmental budget details and 2012 plan,” Hobart said. “She has taken a fresh look at some key fund raising programs and is adding value to whatever she does. The ARRL is very fortunate to have in Lauren an experienced Development professional who shares our fund raising philosophy and is building solid relationships with staff and donors. I am confident that Lauren has a bright future at ARRL.”

Lauren and her husband live in the Greater Hartford area. They have two children: a daughter who is attending Tufts University and a son still in high school. Lauren and her family are active in the local Labrador Retriever rescue organization and serve as foster parents for dogs awaiting adoption. She also enjoys recreational rowing and gardening. If you would like to discuss giving opportunities with the ARRL -- or would just like to welcome Lauren to the ARRL family -- you can reach her via e-mail or by phone at 860-594-0348.