News
September 3, 2025
Episode 49
Don’t Lose the Donor: Keeping Fundraising Human in a Tech-Driven World with Sterrin Bird
Aired September 2, 2025
In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Sterrin Bird, long-time fundraising leader and nonprofit executive-in-residence at Attain Partners, for a conversation on how technology can support—but never replace—the deeply human work of fundraising.
In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Sterrin Bird, long-time fundraising leader and nonprofit executive-in-residence at Attain Partners, for a conversation on how technology can support—but never replace—the deeply human work of fundraising.
Sterrin unpacks:
- Why so many orgs still get “donor-centricity” wrong
- How AI agents can support mid-level and major gift fundraising at scale
- Why donor trust is your most valuable currency—and how to protect it
- What truths about fundraising will never change, no matter the tools
You’ll walk away with clear direction on how to evaluate AI tools, use them to solve your biggest problems, and keep community, belonging, and authenticity at the heart of your work.
About Sterrin Bird
Sterrin Bird
Nonprofit Executive in Residence, Attain Partners
Sterrin Bird is a global fundraising leader and transformative figure in the nonprofit community, universally recognized for her nearly three decades of exceptional dedication to philanthropy. Her expertise spans the future of fundraising, building robust teams, and mastering the art of relational fundraising. With a keen focus on breaking down silos and fostering human-centered change, Sterrin excels in leveraging technology in support of mission outcomes and is an advocate for utilizing AI for fundraising innovation.
Prior to her tenure as a development officer, Sterrin catalyzed growth as a development consultant for three notable international consulting firms, where she blossomed into a cross-functional leader. In 2010, she founded her own consulting practice, orienting her approach around uncommon coaching and leadership mentoring. Throughout her multifaceted career, Sterrin has orchestrated over three dozen capital campaigns across the globe, cumulatively raising more than $5.5 billion, securing her reputation as a global fundraising leader.
In her professional journey, she has held pivotal leadership roles at prestigious nonprofit giants such as Duke Medicine, the University of California, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and United Way. Sterrin also spent four years as the in-house nonprofit expert with the global team at Salesforce.
Sterrin holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a True North Leadership Fellow and was named to the Advisory Council of Rogare, a fundraising think tank in the UK at the University of Plymouth.
Her extensive experience with C-suite executives, nonprofit directors, and leadership across complex organizations speaks to her ability to exceed funding objectives while leading teams and managing the ever-changing nonprofit industry. A distinguished cross-functional leader, Sterrin navigates the intersection of fundraising, marketing, brand positioning, and program advancement with ease.
Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, Sterrin now calls the Bay Area home, living with her two children, Thomas and Mary. She is a prolific public speaker and is also deeply invested in her community. Sterrin sits on the board of Maimoni Valley Preserve, One Life Counseling, and the Young Men’s Service League, embodying the spirit of engaged and impactful citizenship.
