GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Feb. 23, 2010

Ann Akerman has been named CEO of The Walker Foundation, the fundraising arm of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.

"We are so blessed to have Ann Akerman as the new CEO of The Walker Foundation,” said Scott Brawley, chairman of The Walker Foundation board of trustees. “Her drive, determination, empathy and understanding of our mission are matched by her incredible ability, wisdom, vision and focus. Through Ann's leadership we look forward to sharing with everyone in the state of South Carolina the great story of SCSDB as well as the many needs that we must fill as a statewide organization."

By age 25, Akerman earned the executive director position of a local grassroots nonprofit organization after working for the American Red Cross. More recently, she served as the executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia for eight years.

Her industry accolades include the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award in 2006 from the Central South Carolina Chapter of Association of Fundraising Executives and raising more than $6 million throughout her career.

“The Walker Foundation is a pivotal resource for the success of our school. We are very grateful for its support, especially during these difficult financial times,” said Maggie Park, interim president of SCSDB. “We are excited to have Ann at its helm, and we look forward to working with her.”

Akerman is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and also holds a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Southern California. She has two sons and resides in Lancaster.

Founded in 1980 for the sole purpose of working directly with SCSDB, The Walker Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing resources that enable SCSDB to achieve its mission and goals.