I am very pleased to introduce Colette Podgorski as the newest member of the CSW team. I am especially thankful to the FSU Foundation for their support in finding a person who is “the perfect fit” for our College. Colette’s combined commitment, interest, and enthusiasm for the College of Social Work is a model for all of our alumni and friends. Her academic, professional, and volunteer background relates well to social work fundraising.

The key characteristics in a development director are relationship building and communication. Colette clearly possesses these and can reach the “heart” of social work. She has the knowledge, sensitivity, and skills to advance our academic/professional standing by reaching out to alumni and friends. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity.”  Beyond raising dollars, Colette and I are resolute in our mission to reach alumni and friends of the College in a caring way that clearly communicates (word and deed) that we are all part of a family, committed to making a difference in the lives of all whom we serve.

Nick Mazza, Dean and the Patricia V. Vance Professor of Social Work

A Brief Interview with Our Director of Development

Where are you from and what brought you to Tallahassee?
 I grew up in Jacksonville, FL but Tallahassee is now home for me and my sweet 5 year old boy, Zeke. I am a Seminole and adore the local Tallahassee community.

What is your background in education?
I went to a small school that I love, Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) where I got my BS in Psychology and an MBA.

What life experiences have lead you to your current career path in development and to your role here at the College of Social Work? 
Directly out of my undergraduate program, I worked for a domestic violence/sexual assault agency as their volunteer coordinator placing volunteers and fundraising. While getting my Master’s in Business Administration, I worked for the Department of Social Services as a child protection investigator,   so I can relate to the College of Social Work and respect the profession. Upon moving to Tallahassee, I became the Resource Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend and then fundraiser for Florida Medical Association Foundation. I am thrilled to be at FSU and fundraising for such an awesome college.

What are your plans for your new role in the College of Social Work? 
To raise money of course! But, in a way that keeps the FSU College of Social Work as one of the best in the nation and continues to attract some of the finest undergraduate and graduate students. I am also aware that fundraising is crucial to supporting research and being active in the community. I would like to see every classroom and conference room named, support for new scholarships, and funding for additional research that genuinely improves the lives of others. I expect to work with Dean Mazza in developing fundraising initiatives and traveling to speak directly with alumni and friends of the College. I look forward to expressing recognition and appreciation to the many supporters of the College of Social Work.

Contact Colette directly at cpodgorski@foundation.fsu.edu or (850) 228-8536 / (850) 645-1321.