(NEW ORLEANS) – The Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) named Marc A. Barnes, vice president of advancement for Dillard University, the  “Outstanding 2015 Fundraiser of the Year.”

Barnes has served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement since February 2013. This is not his first stint with the university, having worked in Dillard’s Development Department in various positions from 2000-2009. Before his return to Dillard, Barnes served as Director of Development at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. (NOJHFF). At NOJHFF, he was responsible for the development of a major gifts fundraising operation and the launch of a major capital campaign designed to support the renovation of the Jazz & Heritage Center.  In his current role, he is responsible for all of the university’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations, marketing and communications and community outreach.

Helping to lead a fundraising campaign that yielded over $45 million dollars in four years at Dillard University highlights just one of many major financial contributions that Barnes has made over his 13 year career as a fundraiser.

A dedicated community servant, Barnes serves on the finance council at St. Peter Claver Church, where he is also a lector and co-coordinates the marriage ministry with his wife, Kiki.

He is immediate past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater New Orleans Chapter and is a member of the Louisiana Advisory Council for UNCF.  He serves on the Board of Directors at St. Augustine High School and the advisory board of St. Mary’s Academy.

Barnes was one of seven individuals and organizations recognized during the 31st annual National Philanthropy Day ® Luncheon held at the Audubon Tea Room on November 12.  The theme for the day was “Change the World with a Giving Heart.” The AFP has nearly 30,000 individual and organizational members in over 230 chapters throughout the world who raise over $100 billion annually.