Listening, Leading, and Connecting the Dots: Darren White’s Journey in Stewardship

Darren White’s path into the nonprofit world didn’t begin with numbers or campaigns. It began with a question: How can we better connect people who want to help with those who need it most?

For more than 16 years, Darren has pursued the answer — first in higher education, now in healthcare — as a professional deeply committed to the power of giving. Today, he serves as Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation, where he helps ensure that every donor’s generosity is recognized, honored and, most importantly, translated into tangible care.

“The funds that we raise make an immediate, lifesaving difference for people in our community,” Darren says. “Without that support, we’d struggle to provide the amount and level of care that we do. Connecting the dots across our community brings me joy.”

But for Darren, fundraising isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about meaning. Whether he's working alongside hospital leaders to measure program outcomes or writing personalized notes of thanks, he’s always looking for ways to tell the story behind each gift.

“I work with donors and our service line leaders to measure the impact of their gifts in a way that touches real people’s lives. A lot of my job is listening, learning and communicating what’s happening across our healthcare system to our supporters.”

Darren says one of the best parts of his job is connecting people and stories, bringing together the individuals who make the mission possible and those who benefit from it.

Outside of work, Darren brings that same thoughtful energy to the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where he was recently featured as a member spotlight.

“I’ve really enjoyed the informative meetings and sessions I’ve attended, and I also really enjoy getting to meet new people and share ideas. It’s a very fun and friendly atmosphere, and I value that connection.”

So what advice does he have for those new to fundraising?

“There are lots of techniques and tactics to be a better fundraiser, but they all come back to relationships. Get to know people and take a genuine interest in them. It will help everything else you do fall right into place. Put people first and you can’t go wrong.”

There’s also a side of Darren you might not expect from the conference rooms and campaign dashboards.

“I grew up as a Florida cowboy — riding horses on ranches in South and Central Florida, participating in 4-H and roping and riding all across our state.”
“There is no other place like Florida in the world.”

Florida’s natural beauty and spirit run deep for Darren, and that sense of connection — to people, place and purpose — is a thread that runs through all of his work.

We’re proud to have Darren on our team and grateful for the leadership he brings to every donor relationship.

Read the full AFP spotlight here. 

Image courtesy of AFP, FL First Coast Chapter.