Improving and strengthening programs are top priorities for Douglas Ferrick in helping an organization succeed financially, empowering its staff and mending broken homes. Since July 2001, Ferrick has demonstrated his knowledge and expertise as Director of Resource Development for The Children’s Center near downtown Detroit.

Ferrick, 35, was born and raised in Dearborn Heights, MI. After high school, Ferrick attended Eastern Michigan University where he received a bachelor of science degree in public relations, with an emphasis in marketing. Since then, Ferrick has earned a certificate from the Association of Fund Raising Professionals for a 12-month Fund Raising and Development Series offered by Wayne State University.

Ferrick began his professional career in 1992 as a public relations intern for U.S. Senator Donald W. Riegle Jr. in Detroit. It wasn’t long before Ferrick was knowledgeable in researching grant information, locating government documentation for constituents and assisting with a community and economic development efforts throughout metro Detroit.

In 1993, Ferrick became a marketing development assistant for BARAT Child and Family Services in Detroit. He coordinated special events, managed the donor database system and assisted with the development of marketing activities and community awareness programs.

In 1994, Ferrick proved he was a perfect fit for director of development & marketing for BARAT Child and Family Services. Over the next five years, Ferrick kept the organization strong by establishing a comprehensive fund development and marketing department. He also wrote grants to corporations and foundations, trained and supervised staff and wrote promotional materials to maintain and build the organization’s Brand.

In 1999, Ferrick became senior manager of development & marketing for Matrix Human Services, one of Detroit’s oldest and largest agencies. Among his duties was the establishment of an endowment program, defining standards for fund raising throughout the 10-agency organization, and working closely with the Board of Directors, volunteer committees and clients.

Today, Ferrick’s extensive background in fund raising and marketing continues to make The Children’s Center an integral part of metro Detroit. He began his tenure serving as its capital campaign director.  Ferrick also designed and implemented a marketing strategy to increase visibility of the capital campaign and volunteer base.

Currently, Ferrick serves as the Chief Development Officer and a member of the agency's Leadership Team.  Among his accomplishments are successfully leading an $8.25 million capital fund drive, organizing an income diversification effort and raising in excess of $1 million annually in general operating funds. Ferrick also promotes awareness of The Children’s Center by serving as the spokesperson.

Ferrick recently served as a founding member of the board of the Marilyn F. Lundy Academy, a charter school for at-risk youth in Detroit and is a member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He was also a guest speaker where he discussed Tactics in Fundraising for three consecutive years at the University of Michigan.

A strong contributor to The Children’s Center and its staff, Ferrick continues to uplift and make the organization more visible.