Alejandro Acosta, Development Operations and Data Associate

“I try to make everybody feel like a VIP when they call—whether it’s to make a donation or to make a complaint.”

Working in the Development office, Alejandro ensures that the lifeblood of VNSNY’s charitable care and community benefit programs—grants, charitable contributions, and other gifts—are properly acknowledged and allocated to the appropriate areas. Nearly 90% of all donors are former VNSNY patients or their family members, he notes. “These are people who thought so highly of the care they received that they show their appreciation with a donation, and they often take the time to thank a specific caregiver,” he says. “Being able to share that with the caregivers and their managers is a wonderful part of my job.” With prior fundraising experience under his belt, Alejandro believes that forming connections with current or potential donors is an essential part of the process. “It’s important to try to make everybody feel like a VIP when they call—whether it’s to make a donation or to make a complaint,” he explains. “It also resonates with donors when they see that you genuinely believe in the mission of the organization and all the good work that it does.” Alejandro, who also worked as an EMT and patient advocate before coming to VNSNY last year, credits his colleagues for making his work as rewarding as it is. “I work with the smartest, most encouraging, and hardest-working people around. Their support and enthusiasm are what have helped me succeed at VNSNY—not to mention win this award!”