Danita Wickwire

Danita Beck Wickwire joined Audubon in 2021 as Vice President of Principal Giving. In this newly created role, she focuses on developing and implementing strategy for a comprehensive principal level ($1 million+) donor giving and engagement program. She will also serve as our expert on global principal giving and oversee a multifaceted stewardship program that strengthens ties with managed donors as well as development communications.

Danita brings deep fundraising experience to her role at Audubon, most recently from John Hopkins University, where she was a senior associate director of principal gifts. During her tenure, she grew the pipeline of principal-level prospects, both in the U.S. and internationally, and was instrumental in securing a number of seven- and eight-figure commitments. Prior to this, Danita was a senior director for CCS Fundraising, in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. She designed and successfully led new fundraising initiatives for client organizations, along with campaign planning and execution. Throughout her career, she has also held other development positions and strengthened the field through mentoring and professional development programs.

Danita’s development experience is complemented by her passion for art, education, and creating opportunities for people of color. Currently, she serves on the board of advisors of the College of the Holy Cross, her undergraduate alma mater. She is a trustee for the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance (AEMS) and creates original artwork, which has been exhibited in the U.S. and Europe. Her commitment to creating opportunity led her to join the Winter4Kids-Winter Youth Ski Program national board and an extended involvement with the Leadership and Advisory Council for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Baltimore.