Don Riggin.

BUILDING BRIDGES...

Purpose, determination, vision...a few of Don Riggin's characteristics that have enabled him to become one of the most prominent leaders in the association community. For over 35 years, he has been a warrior in the fight against arthritis, serving the Arthritis Foundation both at the state and national levels. Today, the Foundation continues to thrive and expand its services thanks to the direction he has provided. With the direction he has provided during his tenure, the Foundation is sure to continue to reach new heights and great places.

EARLY ARCHITECTURE

Don has been involved with civic-minded groups his entire life. From childhood participation in 4-H and Boy Scouts, to his involvement with the March of Dimes and Teens Against Polio as a teenager, he has been immersed in organizations that cultivate character and promote service. The values that were espoused by these worthy organizations were also reinforced in his home, where his father (a clergyman) and mother provided Don and his two brothers and sister with living examples of service-oriented leadership.

These experiences and individuals enabled Don to develop the skills and qualities that have helped him gain the leadership positions and respect he consistently attains in every arena.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Don's journey within the Arthritis Foundation began in 1965 when he became the Arkansas Chapter's Executive Director. His leadership resulted in the chapter's tremendous growth and earned them the Arthritis Foundation's top fundraising award for 12 of 13 straight years. His success as a chapter executive and management knowledge led to increased responsibility and recognition.

In 1979, he added managing the fundraising for 13 chapters in seven states to his responsibilities. During the six years he held these dual positions, those chapters doubled their income.

His success earned him appointments on a variety of national committees and advisory groups of the Foundation, including the long-range planning and chapter operations committees. He was one of six chapter executives chosen to train future executive directors, and served as president of the Arthritis Foundation professional staff association.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

He was clearly qualified when he came to the Arthritis Foundation national headquarters in 1985 as the senior vice president of operations. In that capacity, he was responsible for the Foundation's financial development, accounting, chapter operations, information management, public relations, personnel and training and recruitment departments. In 1988, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer, with the responsibility for day-to-day operations.

When the Foundation's President and CEO retired in 1990, Don realized that serving in that position would be the ultimate professional and personal opportunity. He was steadfast and resolute in reaching this goal, even to the point of giving up his signature cowboy boots for the interview.

His experience and determination earned him the job. As president, he works closely with the organization's board of trustees to provide long-range planning and direction to Arthritis Foundation activities. Since he became President and CEO, the Foundation's total income has grown from $58 million to over $130 million. Don is justifiably proud of the increased services and research that the Foundation has been able to provide because of the funds he has raised.

MORE HARD WORK

Don Riggin believes that unless risks are taken or new undertakings are explored, progress cannot take place, and that a group must stay focused on its mission while encouraging flexibility and adaptability. By consistently embracing this philosophy, his leadership has had an incredible impact on his own organization and the association community at large.

This mentality was exhibited when he pioneered the decision to pursue a partnership with a pharmaceutical company to produce and promote an Arthritis Foundation branded product that also advanced arthritis education with proceeds funding research. Similarly, Don's forward thinking has led to an emphasis on relationship marketing in fundraising, branding, and using technology to facilitate personalized interactions with Foundation customers and members.

This open-minded philosophy has resulted in Don's involvement in numerous organizations. In addition to his service within the Arthritis Foundation, he is a past chairman of the ASAE Foundation and currently serves on the ASAE Board of Directors. Don has served as chair of the board of directors of the National Health Council and of the Georgia Society of Association Executives; he has been a board member for the Health Care Quality Alliance and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; and has been a dedicated member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. Because he understands the value of remaining open to involvement and partnership in a wide array of arenas, Don has made countless contributions to so many.

ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING

Don joined ASAE in 1985 and has served the organization in many capacities. He is a past chairman of ASAE's Key Philanthropic Organizations Committee, was named an ASAE Fellow in 1994, and in 1999 was appointed to a three-year term on the ASAE board of directors.

Don's commitment to the future of the association community has also led to his involvement with the ASAE Foundation. He played an active role in both the Endowing the Future and Partners for the Future capital campaigns, chaired the 100 Hole Golf Tournament, and served as an active member of the Executive Committee, including a term as Foundation Chair.

Don believes that ASAE should be the model association, providing the ideal example of how an association should be strategic, business-oriented, creative and risk-taking. He understands that research is needed in order to reach this ideal, and that the work of the Foundation will enable this to be achieved. He also recognizes that expanding the research will require continued financial support, and he leads the way both by contributing and by encouraging his peers to do so as well.

AWARD WINNING DESIGN

While we are proud to include Don Riggin as one of the ASAE Foundation honorees, it is not the first accolade he has received in his career. In 1983, he was named Outstanding Executive Director by the Arthritis Foundation professional staff association. In 1994-95, he held the GSAE Alan R. Johnson Leadership award. In 1998, he was awarded both the ASAE Key Award and the GSAE Clifford M. Clarke Award. And in 2000, Marriott awarded him their Lifetime Achievement Award. Clearly, his character, hard work and accomplishments have earned him these deserving honors.

DRAFTING NEW PLANS, BUILDING NEW BRIDGES...

Of all the difficult decisions Don has faced, he admitted that his decision to retire was the most difficult. While he will be stepping down from his over 35-year tenure with the Arthritis Foundation, his retirement will not take him away from involvement in service-oriented pursuits. Retirement will enable Don to have more time to participate in favorite extracurricular activities, such as golfing, rafting, fishing, or most any given outdoor pastime, but it will also enable him to pursue specific interests he has in the in non-profit arena: teaching and mentoring. Don is grateful for the mentors he has encountered in his own professional development, and would like to provide the same sort of support to others in the association community. One specific way he would like to transfer advice, support and direction and develop new relationships with others would be in teaching, especially on the topic of ethics and accountability in the non-profit, fundraising and association communities.

Don is also considering a political career, in order to bring together his personal values and character with his ability to achieve worthy goals in another public service arena.

The personal values and character that were initially instilled in Don from his parents not only impacted his professional relationships, but also the relationships within his own family as well. He and his wife of 39 years, Dee, have two children, Sean and Ashley, whose own careers mirror the example of service and leadership they had in their parents. Sean is in the nuclear medicine field and Ashley is a major gift fundraiser for Arkansas Children's Hospital.

His past work has left many legacies: promoting association cooperation; focusing on and believing in the possibilities; commitment to service and maintaining a passion for your organization and its cause. Retirement is a new arena for Don, and we are excited to carry his legacies into the future and watch him climb new mountains!