Team Member Spotlight: Kristel Jacobson

Team Member Spotlight: Kristel Jacobson

Author: Kristel Jacobson

Tell us about your professional background.

For the past 10 years, I’ve led endurance fundraising programs, national signature series, and digital fundraising campaigns for various non-profit organizations. I am passionate about event experience and fundraising technology. I’m very excited to have joined the dedicated NCMVF team.

What makes the National CMV Foundation’s mission powerful for you?

To me, the NCMVF mission is necessary and achievable. We are able to deliver the strong message that CMV is serious, common and preventable. Which makes the day-to-day work very relevant.

What does success look like to you?

Success in my work with NCMVF will mean lending my current and expanding expertise in fundraising events to bolster our community engagement and raise funds needed to carry out important awareness and education activities. I’ve been inspired already by the NCMVF supporters in every corner of the country doing amazing work to raise awareness.

What motivates you?

My aim is to leave things better than I found them. That means I strive for constant improvement and meaningful relationship development. Those are two motivators for me.

What book did you read last?

Last read – Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss.
Last audiobook – Calypso by David Sedaris.

What is an ability you wish you had?

I’d like to be able to play a musical instrument. I do own a guitar and I can ‘almost’ play America’s – Horse With No Name. Got to start somewhere!

Where were you raised?

New Hampshire – live free or die. Since attending college, I’ve lived in Virginia, Georgia, and now North Carolina. There’s definitely still no place like home.

What do you like most about living in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, we’ve been enjoying exploring new cities (Asheville is a favorite) and picking up mountain biking as a new sport.

Where would you most like to travel to?

Everywhere! On the short list are Patagonia, Prague, and British Columbia.

What’s your favorite 90s jam?

Wow, that’s a tough one…I’m not sure I have a favorite jam, but the first CD I remember buying with my own money was Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York. And, my favorite 90s movie had to be Clueless. My sister and I watched it so many times.

You’re happiest when?

I’ll give two, very different, answers…when I’m with my family (fur and human) and when I’m running solo.