For Berney, life in the wonderful world of philanthropy began when he was the chair of the biology department at a small North Texas college. The school's president asked him to start a development program at the 100-year-old institution. What followed has been a delightful quarter century of working to bring the needs of donors and great organizations together.
Berney has served as chief development officer at two institutions guiding them successfully through the largest capital campaigns in their history. He has served as a staff member or consultant to numerous other organizations large and small.
Berney joined the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2000 as director for Institutional Advancement. In June 2006, the dental school celebrated success in their Commitment to Excellence campaign reaching $65.7 million against an initial $50 million goal, one of the largest campaigns of any dental school in the country.
As a volunteer, Berney recently completed his second three-year term on the Association for Fundraising Professionals-Golden Gate Chapter board. He also serves on the board of the Milton Murray Foundation, an organization committed to helping non-profit professionals achieve their highest philanthropic potential.
Berney and his wife, Jean, have been married for 45 years. They enjoy spending time with their two married daughters and three granddaughters, and sailing on the San Francisco Bay.
Ann began working at the dental school in February 1975, she claims at age nine. Her first six years in a variety of clinic-related jobs provided Ann with an opportunity to get to know many of the students, faculty, alumni and staff as well as the education and business of dentistry. Many of her very dear friendships originated at the dental school.
In what the late Dr. Herb Ward, former department chair, called "The Grand Ascension," Ann moved to an administrative position in what is now the Office of Institutional Advancement in 1981. "Helping others find and achieve their philanthropic goals is a challenge and delight," says Ann. "Watching donors find satisfaction and fun in their gifts has inspired me to try to be a better person." Ann feels honored to part of an institution focused on caring for individuals and giving back to the community.
Ann believes that if you have a financial dilemma, sometimes two or more heads can help discover the best solution. If you've been meaning to help your dental school financially, but are not quite sure what's the best way, call a member of our Institutional Advancement team. They have some wonderfully creative ways to help you meet both your philanthropic and financial goals.
In her 20 years as a professional, Mary has served both here in the Bay Area and on the East Coast as director of development for elementary and secondary schools and as director of major gifts for higher education institutions.
Mary joined the team in 2003 and says, "I still can't believe my good fortune. I have the honor of seeking support for the best dental school in the nation, and my primary responsibility is to visit with interesting, generous people and help them find creative ways to make gifts that reflect their interests, values and goals for the school they love."
When not campaigning for Pacific, Mary enjoys spending time with her son, Alexander, in New York City and her daughter, Elizabeth, in Los Angeles. She enjoys sailing on the Bay, running along the ridge top above her home in the Marin Headlands, revising her (eventually-to-be-published?) novel, and sitting with her feet up on the deck rail solving the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.
Jessica originally joined the dental school in March 2005. She returned to the development team as Dean's Fund gift officer in October 2007, after spending a year in Manhattan as a gift officer for Fordham Law School.
Jessica is thrilled to be back on the West Coast. She enjoys interacting with the diverse population of alumni, staff, faculty, students, volunteers and other friends that make up the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry family.
Prior to Pacific, Jessica worked at University of California at Berkeley in the fundraising office and on a volunteer basis as an English as a Second Language tutor. After that, she spent a year with the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership in Marin County, until she decided to make the big jump to San Francisco.
Jessica is an avid runner; she recently competed in her first 10K race, finishing proudly in 753rd place. She and her husband, Brian, live in San Francisco.
Allison Neumeister joined the Institutional Advancement team in September 2005 and became donor relations manager in August 2006.
Originally from Vermont, Allison has a background in a variety of athletics, including twice qualifying for the NCAA Women's National Rowing Championships. She also has experience in outdoor leadership and non-profit development. She is a graduate of Deerfield Academy and Colby College.
Allison is excited to be part of the Dugoni School family. She delights in working with an organization that believes in improving the health of every individual and enjoys helping the dental school's graduates feel good about philanthropy. "The time I've spent here at the dental school has convinced me that there is not another group of alumni anywhere in the country who love their school more than the graduates the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry," says Allison.
Allison is enjoying the Bay Area and stays busy playing basketball, biking and skiing. She relishes the opportunity to live on the West Coast and to be involved in meaningful work that is simultaneously challenging and also benefits the health of so many people.
Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Receives SCADA Achievement Award
Dugoni School Alumnus Named Acting Dean at USC School of Dentistry
February 06, 2009
Asilomar Conference
February 16, 2009
Island Dental Colloquium
March 15, 2009
Arizona Alumni Chapter Dinner
