February 1, 2010
Avalon's Barb Perell Named Rising Star by DMAW
Prestigious award recognizes outstanding professional results, dedication and promise
Washington, D.C. -- Avalon Consulting Group announced that Director of Online Fundraising Barb Perell has been named "Rising Star" for 2009 by the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW). The award is the highest honor given as part of DMAW's Emerging Leader Awards in the field of direct/interactive marketing.
Each year, DMAW presents its "Rising Star" award to an up-and-coming direct/interactive marketing professional who shows uncommon promise in strategy, creativity and innovative thinking. "Rising Stars" demonstrate superior leadership abilities, including a strong track record of outstanding results and a reputation for "giving back" through direct marketing education.
Barb's career in direct marketing, which began in 2001, has been defined by her ability to apply direct marketing best practices to the emerging field of online fundraising. Since joining Avalon in 2006 as Director of Online Fundraising, Barb Perell has played an integral role in building Avalon's online fundraising practice and helping numerous nonprofit organizations realize the potential of online outreach and integrated marketing for their fundraising programs. Avalon clients who have benefited from Barb's expertise include the Center for Public Integrity, National Museum of Women in the Arts, League of Women Voters, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
"I've worked with many young direct marketers in this industry over the years, and Barb stands apart as one of the gems," noted Avalon President and Founder Ann Herzog. "Avalon has always been about integrated marketing, but Barb has helped us take integration to a new level with her online expertise. This is only the beginning for Barb. She has a very bright future ahead of her."
Prior to joining Avalon, Barb developed her passion for online fundraising through a number of management roles at EMILY's List, the largest and most successful PAC in the nation helping finance women's political campaigns. In her last position there, as Assistant Director of Development, Barb oversaw all online communication, outreach, and fundraising efforts. Under Barb's management, EMILY's List saw a 75 percent increase in online revenues and doubled the size of its e-mail list.
Barb will be honored at DMAW's "Best of Direct: Spotlight on Achievement" award event on December 2 at the National Geographic Society.