The DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice has partnered with National Public Radio on several development leadership searches in recent years, including for its Chief Development Officer and the subsequent 2022-2023 search for the newly created role of Vice President of Development Operations & Services. Adrienne Brown was appointed to the latter, positioning her at the forefront of advancing organizational change at NPR that will foster fundraising growth. Brown and her 15-person team lead the strategic delivery of efficient fundraising platforms and processes to advance NPR philanthropy. In addition, she will provide direction and oversight for digital fundraising, including the NPR Network digital fundraising program, as well as for the annual fund and development operations.

NPR is an independent, nonprofit media organization that was founded on a mission to create a more informed public. Every day, NPR connects with millions of Americans on the air, online, and in person to explore the news, ideas, and what it means to be human. Through its network of member stations, NPR makes local stories national, national stories local, and global stories personal. NPR strives to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. Of the major U.S. news brands, research shows that NPR ranks #1 in being “credible” and “honest,” rising above the major television and cable news networks and media outlets, including The New York Times, MSNBC, and Fox News, in both categories.

Brown has more than 17 years of experience in fundraising and development. Prior to joining NPR, she was Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving and Engagement Strategy at New York University. During her time there, she served as the primary visionary and architect behind numerous successful digital fundraising campaigns. She was also at the helm of the NYU Emergency Fund, which raised support for students who faced urgent and emergent needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Brown implemented NYU’s first centralized philanthropic strategic plan that centered on launching initiatives to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. She possesses a strong understanding of broad-based outreach, having earned a certification in inclusive philanthropy from Florida International University and worked on award-winning loyalty and membership marketing campaigns for major corporations such as American Express, UnitedHealthcare, and General Motors.