We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne Marie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a valuable life and business lesson. Personally, I tend to thrive in a space where I am taking larger opportunities to succeed – or fail!

The ability to make decisions on work based on your own ethics is an important step in personal and career growth. Many times, I learned this lesson AFTER accepting a position rather than asking the right questions during an interview – before. Because of this, I have often left a position without a new post – based on staying true to my ethics and character. Can be scary! Certainly is risky!

At one point, I made a rushed decision to join an organization as a Chief Development Officer, and after working with them a few months, realized I did not share the same care philosophy as the CEO. This is not a “winnable” position to be in. I was terminated before I was ready to go, having lost two family members in short order and needed stability.

The subsequent months were spent in self reflection, and when I was ready, I applied for a position with an organization who needed big change. The opportunity had a tremendous upside if I was successful in the role – and a tremendous risk to my reputation and the organization should I fail. We built a plan, executed the plan – and succeeded tremendously! A win for the organization – who could pay off all debt and expand services – and a boost for my reputation and work. A few short years later – and I have rehabbed more non-profits in need of reorganization and now lead from the CEO seat. Hard work and not for the risk-averse.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my professional career in retail graduating college in 3.5 years with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in music. Desiring a career in a department store as a buyer, I started on the front lines with Lady Foot Locker so many years ago. After 15 years in retail, I moved to business to business sales in the telecom industry. This type of sales allowed me to set my own salary without restriction – for the most part. The sky was the limit! After 20 years in sales, I was left feeling unfulfilled and restarted a my professional life in the non-profit world. First in Business Development creating jobs for Developmentally Disabled Adults and then to fundraising for hunger, Developmentally Disabled Adults and finally, Lupus. Along the way I have gained my Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) license and earned the opportunity to be a CEO supporting a territory covering half the state of Texas.
The work is rewarding and challenging, exhausting and exhilarating and bolstered by the knowledge I am working to create an opportunity for the organization to serve those who rely on it, for as long as it is needed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Boy do we eat well in Houston!

Galveston’s breakfast at Mosquito Cafe to lunch/brunch at Hugo’s and dinner and Eunice – the possibilities are endless!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my work life, and an amazing tribe of strong and successful women in my personal life. From Leslie Hess Schievelbein, Alice Yates and Ryla Bouchier in my tribe; Christine Stevens and Melissa Simon supporting our chosen paths with fierce bravery and encouragement to Mark Oliver teaching me kindness and humility (the hard way!) and my favorite individuals served along the way – Ruth, Coco, Tyler, John, Marshall and so, so many more!

Website: lupustexas.org

Instagram: lupustexas

Linkedin: Lupus Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Twitter: lupustexas

Facebook: lupustexas

Youtube: lupustexas

Image Credits
Lynn Lane, Photographer

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