Claude Gatlin
Exploring District Executive, Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
Claude is a native of Mississippi, where he attended Jackson State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. He has over fifteen years of experience working with nonprofits and youth mentoring programs. Claude currently works as a Scout Executive for Boy Scouts of America-Atlanta Area Council. Claude has achieved the 2020 "Eagle Feather," an annual award to an employee that overcomes obstacles to get results with outstanding performance.
Claude has always been active in the community and his fraternity, where he served as the Guide Right Chair leading youth and community initiatives. Claude is a national Guide Right awardee recipient for his outstanding service. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, he serves as Vice Polemarch in the Stockbridge Jonesboro Alumni Chapter. Claude enjoys family time and often can be found taking long bike rides on the Silver Comet or Atlanta Beltline, enjoying the community.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
I became involved with fundraising due to a personal experience of not having enough money in college and almost not graduating due to financial hardship. The first fundraiser I hosted was a bowling tournament to raise money for scholarships to support African American males attending college. We raised over $17,000.00. Fundraising with a purpose became my drive and passion.
What is something you wish you had known early on in your fundraising career?
I wish I had known, early in my fundraising career, how to build corporate relationships with donors and how to write grants. These two things are a major key to my success today.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
One quality I believe every fundraiser should have is an extroverted personality especially when they meet new people. The best donation can potentially come from talking with a stranger in the grocery store.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
What inspires me and is my biggest drive about the fundraising profession is knowing why funds are needed and who will benefit. It’s like a doctor who doesn’t give up on a patient. That's how I feel when I’m working towards my goal. If I don’t meet my goal, someone will be hurt by it. Therefore, the mission is important and it must be accomplished.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I want to be remembered, in my profession, as a person who is a philanthropist who cares for youth and the community with the drive to help others.