AFP International Chairman's Biography

Alphonce J. Brown, Jr., ACFRE became the vice president of development of the National Academy of Public Administration in February 2005. The academy is an independent, non-partisan organization chartered by congress to assist federal, state and local governments in improving their effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. In this position, Mr. Brown is responsible for providing the leadership, direction and coordination for all fundraising strategies and activities that generate external philanthropic support for academy programs and services.

Prior to this assignment, Mr. Brown was a consultant to U.S. and international non-profit organizations who thirst to learn more about how to incorporate best fundraising practices within its organization. Believing strongly in his obligation to share his more than twenty years of fundraising experience in health, education and volunteer service, Mr. Brown founded Docere Consulting, Inc. in July 2003 with the goal of providing service to traditional and non-traditional non-profit organizations wanting to learn more about fundraising. He was the principal in the company.

Until July 2003, Mr. Brown was vice president, University Advancement of California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. He joined the university in July 2000 and was responsible for overseeing all program activities related to external fundraising for the institution. In that role, he was responsible for the university’s development or fundraising; local, state and national government relations; media relations; community affairs; publications and public relations and alumni relations. In this role, he also provided considerable expertise in the areas of strategic planning, annual giving, major donor cultivation and solicitation, marketing and system and process implementation. During his tenure, the university raised and reported more than $14 million in three years.

During his career, Mr. Brown has worked for large, established organizations, as well as grassroots institutions—providing him with the breath of experiences needed to tailor services to client’s wishes. His former employment includes serving as executive director of the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, president & CEO of the Prairie View A&M University Foundation and assistant dean of external relations, College and Graduate School of Business, University of Texas at Austin . He has also worked as the territory or field representative for Baxter/Travenol, Kendall and the Southwestern companies.

Mr. Brown earned his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin . He received his Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) designation in July 2002—a distinction held by only 75 senior fundraising professionals in the world. He is a frequent lecturer and teacher, and he has conducted workshops throughout the United States , Canada and Europe . He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals—a fundraising organization with a membership of 26,400. He has published a number of articles on fundraising and diversity. The media and press frequently engage him regarding his fundraising experience and expertise. Mr. Brown is currently the vice president of development of the National Academy of Public Administration. He is also chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.