CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 DSA HONOREE!
Congratulations to Wes Milligan!
Wes grew up in the Willamette Valley in the tiny metropolis of Monmouth, was active in a variety of sports through high school and was selected to represent Central High School at the Boys State leadership program. After earning his business degree at the University of Oregon, he began his professional career in branch management for Norwest Bancorp (now Wells Fargo) for 14 years before making the decision to pursue a career in nonprofit fundraising. His first opportunity came as associate director of development at the University of Portland, where he oversaw the planned giving program and raised major gifts. In 1999, Wes was hired as director of planned giving at The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, a position that he has held since that time, although the responsibilities have evolved since his hiring. With a strong real estate gift program at TNC, he has assisted donors in closing dozens of gifts of real property, both outright and into life income gifts, as well as a variety of other deferred gifts. He most enjoys spending time with TNC’s amazing donors and getting out in the field with them as much as possible to visit the projects they are supporting.
His involvement with the Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable began early in his fundraising career, serving on the executive committee for 12 years, co-chairing the annual conference, and serving as its president and attending the National Assembly of Delegates. He has also participated as a mentor, contributed to the Portland Business Journal’s estate and charitable planning publications, made numerous NWPGRT presentations and provided guidance for those wishing to enter the profession.
Outside of the Roundtable, Wes has served the greater community as a volunteer with Taking Ownership, Adopt One Block and SOLVE. Wes is an avid hiker, backpacker, cyclist and serial tennis player, all of which he enjoys doing with his wife, Jackie.
NWPGRT is proud to recognize Wes for his lifetime achievements. He will be honored at the NWPGRT Conference luncheon on September 15, 2022, at the Portland Hilton Hotel.
About the Distinguished Service Award
Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable has a rich history of serving Oregon and Southwest Washington as the professional resource for the planned giving community. This mission has been profoundly impacted by many who have inspired and exemplified excellence in the profession. The Distinguished Service Award was established in 2008 to recognize those exceptional individuals for their commitment and dedication to that effort.
Qualities of award recipients include but are not limited to:
- Demonstrated quality leadership in planned giving
- Longevity in planned giving (minimum of 5 years)
- Diversity of public service
- Service to the planned giving profession through writing, teaching, mentoring and training
- Integrity, including an interest in introducing solutions that are beneficial to both the donor and charitable organization
- A technical understanding of planned giving
Past Award Recipients
2019 – Michael Macnab
2018 – Marcia Director
2017 – Sharon Kloss Hogan
2016 – Ann Barden
2015 – Pete Sommerfeld
2014 – Gene Christian
2013 – Gerald Westersund
2012 – Robert Depew
2011 – Jerry Tucker
2010 – Barbara Stallcup Miller
2009 – Lon Dufek
2008 – Al Zimmerman