"What motivated you to join OAI?"

The newest member of the OAI team, Susan Corsini came on board as a Managing Director in October 2006. When asked what motivated her to join OAI, Susan replied that she was "motivated by the breadth and depth of the staff."

Prior to OAI, Susan helped to establish The Sallie Mae Fund, and managed the successful fund for the past five years. However, Susan noted she was attracted to OAI because of the opportunity to simultaneously work with a variety of clients and further several missions.

Having come from the nonprofit sector, Susan finds OAI unique because the company serves as a "one-stop shop" for nonprofits, fulfilling all their needs in a cost-effective way. "When you pick up the phone and speak to someone at OAI, it's like an extension of your own staff, but without the overhead." For more information on Susan, please click here.

New Clients:

World Peace One:
Nonprofit Management

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation: Fundraising Management

America's Health Insurance Plan's Foundation: Event Management

Washington Area Women's Foundation: Event Management

United States Business Industry Council: Fundraising Management

Westminster-Ingleside Foundation: Fundraising Management

"What memorable personal relationships have you established with OAI's clients?"

With more than 10 years on Wall Street at institutions including Goldman Sachs, and now 15 years building OAI, Steve has been fortunate to form personal relationships with several inspiring and devoted individuals helping further nonprofits' missions. He reflected on a few of the memorable relationships generated from OAI's work with nonprofits.

In 1998, Steve met Joe Robert, a leading philanthropist in the DC area. OAI helped Joe create a fundraising campaign entitled School Night, which brought in $2.2 million in its first year. Since then, School Night has cumulatively raised more than $22.8 million to support organizations that help students in the DC area have access to a brighter future through a high-quality education. Steve remarked, "For several years, Joe has been one of Washington, DC's leading social entrepreneurs and has inspired his business colleagues to follow his lead."

Youth, I.N.C. (Improving Nonprofits for Children), a nonprofit management client of OAI, was the genesis of Steve's friendship with Ted Virtue. Now Co-Chair of Youth, I.N.C., Ted has been highly influential in growing Youth, I.N.C. exponentially by recruiting support from some of the top private equity firms in New York. "He has a heart of gold and is concerned about kids," states Steve. Youth, I.N.C. is currently working with 21 nonprofits to improve the lives of over 100,000 children each year in the New York City area. To learn more about Youth, I.N.C., please visit www.youthinc-usa.org.

Lastly, Steve's relationship with Ethel Kennedy has allowed OAI the opportunity to assist in a range of development activities for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial in the past 6 years. "Ethel is an icon who is extremely generous and determined," Steve shared. For almost 40 years, Ethel has dedicated her energy to Robert F. Kennedy's vision to advance the human rights movement by providing innovative support to courageous human rights defenders around the world. For more information on Steve, please click here.

"What experience or client work has led you to a strong connection with an organization's mission?"

Rob Carter brings to OAI over 20 years of experience in political and charitable fundraising and in marketing for both the private and nonprofit sectors. In addition to his role as Managing Director at OAI, he currently serves as the Managing Director of Development for OAI's nonprofit management client, Deafness Research Foundation (DRF).

Through his close ties with DRF, Rob has developed a strong connection with the organization's mission and vision. "I now understand the concerns associated with hearing and balance disorders, and I have come to live and love the issues related to DRF," states Rob.

When asked to share a seminal experience that led to his passion for the organization, Rob recounted hearing the personal story of DRF's Board Chair, Rebecca Ginzburg, who experienced sudden hearing loss. Since then, Rebecca has devoted a large portion of her life and career to helping assist those with hearing loss. "Her story and commitment to the cause made me realize that a single person can make a big difference." For more information on Rob, please click here.

"As a founding partner of OAI, how has your role in the company shifted over time?"

Although Carol initially produced events, she now focuses on growing and building OAI's talented staff. Carol shared the factors she feels contribute to OAI's success in recruiting bright, motivated and mission-driven employees.

"OAI provides its staff a unique environment to learn and work within a broad scope of services and apply their own strengths and talents to the company. This, combined with OAI's excellent reputation as an employer that provides opportunities for growth and personal career development, brings the best and the brightest candidates to OAI."

OAI candidates frequently share with Carol how impressed they are with the broad background and experience of OAI's employees, as well as the energy and dedication that is displayed in their work.

At the close of every year, OAI staff complete a company survey. When asked what keeps them at OAI, the answer is always, "the people." Carol notes, "OAI is proud of its team and pleased to have such a wonderful group of people on board to work with OAI's nonprofit clients." For more information on Carol, please click here.

OAI is excited to announce our new nonprofit management client, World Peace One. OAI will provide strategic oversight for World Peace One through nonprofit management, board development and strategic planning services. World Peace One was founded by entertainment industry executive Doug Ivanovich whose previous client experience includes events such as Live Aid, Farm Aid I & II and 5 Comedy Relief Specials.

World Peace One’s mission is to raise awareness for world peace globally and will be kicked off through a variety of fundraising initiatives culminating with a worldwide musical concert and telethon on August 11, 2007. Mr. Ivanovich was looking for a firm to assist him in getting his "dream off the ground" and came to Steve Orr and OAI by way of a referral.

"We are proud to add World Peace One to our roster. OAI is committed to helping its nonprofit clients make a greater impact on society, be it assisting with development or serving as a strategic partner to help an organization get up and running," said Steve Orr.

Recent and Upcoming Projects:

• Washington Area Women's Foundation Annual Leadership Luncheon, Washington, DC

October 11

• Deafness Research Foundation Board Meeting, New York City

October 16

• Youth, I.N.C. A Celebration to Benefit New York Kids, New York City

November 1

• Youth, I.N.C. Board Meeting, New York City

December 5

Long time colleague returns to OAI

After a two year hiatus, Danielle Frottier re-joined the OAI team as Senior Director. As many of you may already know, Danielle worked at OAI from 1998-2004 on a variety of projects.

When asked about her most treasured memory of her past accomplishments at OAI, she said, "It has to be the fundraising management work I did for the American Friends of the Czech Republic. We helped them establish a memorial park and statue for T.G. Masaryk on Embassy Row in Washington, DC. It feels great to know that I contributed to the creation of a new piece of history in Washington, DC."

In Danielle's new role as Senior Director, she will ensure that OAI's clients receive the highest level of service. Please join us in welcoming Danielle back to Washington, DC!

To read more about what Danielle has been up to for the last two years, click here.