November ’24 DAR Star: Libby Shepherd

by Gabby Adekogbe

We work with absolutely incredible people — and we all have varied interests and experiences, which adds to the unique makeup of the University of Georgia. We’ll be regularly spotlighting a few rock stars from around the division so that even if you don’t cross paths with them in the break room or Zoom with them on a weekly basis, you can get to know colleagues who can enhance your work life and productivity.

Without further ado, please enjoy our Q&A with Libby …

Name: Libby Shepherd

Title: Director of Prospect Management

  • Prospect Management partners with fundraisers to maximize their opportunities as a fundraiser. (See what I did there, since opportunities are essentially asks in GAIL (IYKYK)). We work to provide outlets for strategy and information that can help the fundraisers manage their portfolios and move prospects forward in maximizing their philanthropic impact at the University of Georgia. We conduct our work primarily through quarterly Research and Prospect Management meetings and direct sharing of information and resources to fundraisers.

Where can we find you?

Time in DAR: 10 years – previously in FACS and 4-H!

What are 3 things you wish others in DAR knew about your job?

  1. I don’t like hearing in RPM meetings when someone says, “Don’t be upset…” I never want anyone to think we’re here to get on to anyone.

  2. We want our fundraising partners to find our meetings and resources helpful and productive. We are working with you — not trying to make anyone feel inadequate about their work!

  3. Consider us a resource! Please reach out to our team to learn how we can be more helpful to you and your team!

What is your favorite reason for working for UGA/DAR? The people! I’ve worked in SCUDs and centrally, in different types of development roles, and the same has always been true. Under the DAR umbrella, we are ultimately all working towards the same goal and it’s refreshing to be a part of such a collaborative environment.

What is a work project you’ve been most proud of participating in? This might be hard to put into words. But I wouldn’t say one specific project — it’s a culmination of the work I’ve conducted in RPM. I’ve been able to be a resource for fundraisers in DAR and ultimately get to know a lot of great people. It’s wonderful to walk into a division meeting and see so many people that you’ve gotten to help on various items in their work.

What is your favorite spot in Athens to grab lunch? DePalmas

On a typical Saturday evening, you can find me… Watching football (in the fall) or reading a good book — but mainly chasing my toddler around making sure he doesn’t pull the curtains down or ride the robot vacuum cleaner.

Favorite book or podcast: A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham (UGA grad!). I love all her books and even went to hear her speak at the Athens Library with my Book Club. It’s the only time I’ve ever gotten someone to sign a book!

Lately, I’ve been watching… I’m all about my comfort shows — The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Seinfeld. Otherwise, I’m not opposed to a good true crime documentary.

Tell us about your family! My husband’s name is Alec and we share a 1 year old little boy, Warner, and two dogs, Reese and Donna Henley. Reese is what I call a “golden-ish retriever” and Donna Henley (named for Eagles band member Don Henley) is a Corgi.

We hope you learned something new about Libby. We are lucky to have her on our DAR team! Feel free to reach out to her to grab dinner at DePalmas or chat about Michael Scott.

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