Podcast Summary: The PM Podcast – “Over The Moon: A Conversation with Brian Marquez-Hall”

Release Date: July 5, 2025
Host: Jay Frost
Producer: Jack Frost
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Introduction

In the July 5, 2025 episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost engages in an insightful conversation with Brian Marquez-Hall, the Development Officer at the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF). Brian is a distinguished recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Recognized for his innovative and equitable fundraising strategies—ranging from launching inclusive initiatives to tripling donor gifts for elder care services and raising $100,000 in just ten weeks at SSF—Brian shares his journey, experiences, and the profound impact of his work in the nonprofit sector.

The Joy of Recognition: Brian’s Nomination Story

Brian begins by recounting the moment he was nominated for the prestigious award. [00:00]

Brian Marquez-Hall: "One of my favorite things to hear, and I hear it often, is people told me, I give because I wouldn't have been able to get through school if it wasn't for this scholarship. And I want that to be available for somebody else."

He narrates how his husband nominated him, leading to an unexpected and joyous recognition.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "I was over the moon. I was so excited, so happy. And I was like, I just couldn't believe it." [01:12]

This acknowledgment from AFP Global not only validated his hard work but also reinforced his passion for fundraising as a noble profession.

Brian’s Fundraising Journey: From Humble Beginnings

Brian’s foray into fundraising began with his first job at Elder Care Services, where he started as a communications specialist. His interest quickly pivoted towards fundraising after immersing himself in AFP resources.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "There's like the science, the psychology, strategy. I was like, this is what I want to do." [04:00]

His early experiences included participating in school fundraising activities like chocolate bar sales and more formal initiatives such as the Dance Marathon at Florida State University during his college years.

Dance Marathon Insights:

"They raise, I believe the last time I saw from the current class, over a million dollars for the local children's miracle hospital. It's all peer to peer." [04:40]

Despite the grueling nature of the marathon—standing and moving for 24 hours with intermittent breaks—Brian found it to be an invaluable experience that honed his fundraising skills.

Transition to Professional Fundraising

Post-college, Brian continued his fundraising career at Tallahassee State College as a Donor Stewardship Officer. Although his tenure was brief, he gained substantial knowledge about higher education fundraising and the importance of stewardship in donor relations.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "I love doing stewardship for them." [07:29]

Seeking a more frontline role, Brian transitioned to the Southern Scholarship Foundation, where he has been instrumental in enhancing the organization’s fundraising efforts over the past year.

Impactful Work at Southern Scholarship Foundation

At SSF, Brian oversees the annual giving program, working alongside the Director of Development and the CEO. His role involves managing direct marketing appeals and participating in special events, despite his personal reservations about event-driven fundraising.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "Every donor is a major donor in the sense that, you know, not everybody has the capacity to make a $100,000 gift. For somebody, that $10 is a major gift." [12:17]

Brian emphasizes a holistic approach to fundraising, where each contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing donor relationships.

Addressing Educational and Housing Barriers

Brian highlights SSF’s mission to provide rent-free housing for students in Florida, a critical barrier that often prevents talented individuals from completing their education even when tuition is covered by scholarships.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "The average would be about $18,000 that they saved just by being involved in the program." [09:42]

This initiative not only alleviates financial stress but also significantly reduces student loan debt, with close to 75% of residents graduating debt-free.

Direct Impact and Personal Fulfillment

Brian finds immense satisfaction in his direct interactions with donors and program beneficiaries. He shares stories from alumni who express gratitude for the support that enabled their educational journeys.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "People told me I give because I wouldn't have been able to get through school if it wasn't for this scholarship. And I want that to be available for somebody else." [14:18]

With approximately 470 students benefiting from the program, the tangible impact of his work is both vast and deeply personal.

Future Aspirations and Career Goals

Looking ahead, Brian aspires to continue growing within the fundraising field. He aims to expand the annual giving program at SSF and eventually transition into major gifts, particularly within advocacy or international humanitarian organizations.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "I would like to work in major gifts for either an advocacy organization... or for an international humanitarian organization." [17:01]

He acknowledges the common trend of short tenure in fundraising roles but expresses a strong desire to build a lasting career where he can see the long-term effects of his efforts.

Advice for Aspiring Fundraisers

Brian offers valuable guidance for those entering the fundraising profession:

1. Explore Diverse Fundraising Methods:

   "There’s digital fundraising, peer-to-peer, direct mail, and obviously like the higher touch planned giving. So find the one that's interesting to them and just try to learn everything they can about it." [18:43]

2. Find a Mentor:

   "Find a mentor that can help you plan out your career... What are the skills that you have now? What are the skills that are needed to get into those roles..." [19:33]

3. Identify Your Niche:
   Discovering a specific area within fundraising that aligns with personal interests and strengths can lead to greater satisfaction and effectiveness.

Brian also expresses a desire to mentor others in the future, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that has supported his growth.

Brian Marquez-Hall: "Hopefully in the future, that's definitely one of the things that I want to do..." [20:06]

Conclusion

In this heartfelt and informative episode, Brian Marquez-Hall not only shares his personal journey and professional achievements but also underscores the profound impact that dedicated fundraising can have on individuals and communities. His passion for creating equitable opportunities and his strategic approach to donor engagement serve as inspiring models for current and aspiring fundraisers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Marquez-Hall: "It's like the high-level, high-touch fundraising." [04:54]

• Brian Marquez-Hall: "I love meeting people and especially... hearing their story because a lot of the reason that they give is because the program meant so much to them." [13:39]

For more information about the Southern Scholarship Foundation, visit southangularexample.org. To learn about AFP and its annual awards, visit AFPglobal.org.

Thank you for reading this summary of The PM Podcast’s episode featuring Brian Marquez-Hall. To listen to the full conversation, subscribe to The PM Podcast on your preferred streaming platform.