CEI’s Vice President of Development Talks Fundraising and the Future

April 4, 2016

We recently welcomed Alex Carter as vice president of development. His unique experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent brings a valuable perspective to our statewide approach to serve schools. We talked with him about this new role, his passions, and fundraising for a nonprofit.

What three words would you use to describe CEI?

Dedicated, collaborative, and innovative.

You have a passion to be a fundraiser. What will you enjoy about fundraising for CEI?

I consider it an honor to connect people’s personal purpose with a venue for positive change. CEI is driving improvement and innovation in schools across Colorado. I love that I get to connect people and companies to opportunities to make things better for kids.

You bring the unique perspective of being a superintendent of a rural Colorado school district. How did you partner with nonprofits to support your school, staff, and students? What stood out about the partnership your district had with CEI?

If my former district was doing something progressive or innovative, CEI had a hand in the initiative. We were inspired by CEI’s support of other Colorado districts. The four-year partnership began with CEI’s integration project to improve educator effectiveness and implement Senate Bill 191, participation in the Literacy Design Collaborative and Math Design Collaborative, cooperation in the Common Assignment Study, and CEI’s generous support to fund and create peer coaching protocols in our region. We were also inspired by CEI’s social and emotional support for secondary schools and modeled a similar program in the district.

Tell us about your experience as a donor. What are the causes you care about?

My wife Wendy and I focus our giving on education and community cultural projects. I serve on the Teachers of Promise Foundation’s board of directors — an organization that is committed to working with pre-service and new teachers to celebrate their decision to enter the teaching profession. The foundation elevates the teaching profession to the status we feel it deserves and inspires young professionals to make an impact the moment they enter the classroom.

Fun question — what is the theme song of your life right now?

Changes by the late, great David Bowie.

Inspired to donate to CEI? Your support improves what teachers can do for kids. Take a look.