Meet the Founder and CEO of AADO:
Birgit Smith Burton
Birgit Smith Burton, an extraordinary fundraiser, community leader, and visionary, has left an indelible mark on the fundraising landscape in Atlanta and nationwide.
Born in Germany and raised in Buffalo, New York, Birgit initially aspired to a career on Broadway. She was accepted into the musical theater program at SUNY Fredonia but ultimately chose to study Media Communications at Medaille College. Her path took a pivotal turn during an internship with UNCF, where she first engaged with fundraising. This experience ignited a passion that led her to start her career with UNCF, eventually rising to the role of area director.
Birgit's journey continued when she moved to Atlanta to join the Georgia Institute of Technology. Over her twenty-seven years at Georgia Tech, she ascended to the position of Executive Director of Foundation Relations, where her efforts secured over $700 million from private foundations for the institution.
In 1999, Birgit, as the first fundraiser of color at Georgia Tech, sought to build connections with other fundraisers, particularly those from the nearby HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center. She initiated a breakfast meeting with her counterparts from Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, ITC, and Morris Brown, which led to the founding of the African American Development Officers (AADO) Network. This network evolved into the AADO Conference, which has grown significantly over the years. Birgit’s vision for AADO as a fully operational nonprofit focused on supporting fundraisers and promoting diverse philanthropy came to fruition in 2021.
Birgit has also demonstrated leadership within the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the world’s largest organization of charitable fundraisers, where she served as Global Board Chair in 2023 and 2024, having the distinction of the first Black woman to hold that seat. Through her roles with AFP and AADO, she has become a mentor and role model for countless numbers of fundraising professionals.
Her commitment extends beyond her professional achievements to her community involvement with the Alvene Lowe Grice Scholarship Fund, established in honor of her grandmother, and Hosea Helps, an organization founded by Civil Rights leader Hosea Williams. Birgit contributes her fundraising expertise to these causes, driven by both her passion for aiding the working poor and her desire to enhance organizational effectiveness.
In 2021 the R.I.S.E. Fund was established to advance women of color in the fundraising profession. Founded by a group of Black female fundraisers and working with allied organizations also supporting the advancement of women of color in fundraising, the R.I.S.E. Fund annually contributes $2,000 USD to each allied organization to award educational stipends to eligible recipients selected from among their membership. Founded by a group of Black female fundraisers and working with allied organizations also supporting the advancement of women of color in fundraising, the R.I.S.E. Fund annually contributes $2,000 USD to each allied organization to award educational stipends to eligible recipients selected from among their membership.
Birgit considers that her super power is connecting people. Her ability to connect with others extends beyond fundraising; she is a natural networker who excels at bringing people together. While her busy schedule often leads to late-night emails, she finds relaxation in driving to enjoy fall colors and spending time with friends, family, and her two granddaughters.
At the end of the day, Birgit hopes her legacy will be one of making a significant impact, having moved the needle in all her endeavors. Her lasting influence and contributions confirm that she has indeed made a profound difference.
"As a leader, leaving a great legacy is arguably the most powerful thing you can do in your career and life because it enables you to have influence well into the future, even after you are no longer present."
---- Birgit Smith Burton