Dear friends of WPC,

One of the most difficult things in life is to see friends leave yet one of the most rewarding things in life is to see them go on to succeed in even bigger ventures.  Such is the situation we at Washington Policy Center find ourselves in today as we prepare to see Sydney Jansen take over development at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. 

Sydney's growth at WPC has demonstrated her remarkable talent and capabilities. She’s gone from a WPC intern to the Vice-President of Development over the last decade and a half and raised an estimated 35 million dollars in the process.  

Sydney’s attention to detail and mastery of organization are evident in all that she does.  She helped grow WPC’s annual dinner events into galas recognized as among the best not only in the region, but in the nation, and her expertise in development is sought after by non-profits across the country. 

Sydney’s career has been facing and conquering every challenge requested of her at WPC. It’s no surprise that she would be sought after by other non-profits with other worlds to conquer and we expect her success there to be no less remarkable.

Please join me in thanking Sydney for her remarkable contributions to Washington Policy Center, the incredibly capable team she's trained and leaves behind, the friendships she cultivated, the legacy she leaves us -- and also in wishing her meteoric success in all her new endeavors. 

Sincerely,

Michael D. Gallagher
President and CEO
Washington Policy Center

WPC's VP of Development accepts new position at Cornish College of the Arts

Sydney Jansen's remarkable talents were instrumental in growing WPC into the organization it is today

Sydney Jansen has not only been the Vice President of Development for Washington Policy Center, she has been WPC’s heart and voice to the hundreds of members and donors who joined together to make WPC what it is today.  It seems impossible to say goodbye to such an integral figure in WPC’s growth as an organization, but new challenges and opportunities have called Sydney away, so if we can’t say goodbye, we must at least say “till we meet again.”

In August 2011 Sydney joined WPC as an intern and recent graduate of the University of Washington. From those early days, it was evident that Sydney possessed unique organizational talent, a passion for philanthropy and an unwavering dedication to WPC’s cause – improving lives through free-market solutions. 

By 2016, Sydney took over as Director of Development. Under her leadership, WPC’s revenue budget grew from $2.5 million to over $5 million in just five years. Equally impressive was the doubling of WPC's donor base and the flourishing of WPC’s Pillar Society which went from 60 members in 2016 to more than 235 members today, raising an astounding $15 million for WPC.   Her success is a testament to her ability to inspire support and forge meaningful relationships.

With her prowess in event planning and fundraising acumen, Sydney was instrumental in transforming WPC's Annual Dinner into the nation's largest public policy gala event. The Annual Dinner now attracts over 2,500 attendees, generating a gross revenue of $1.8 million and an unprecedented net profit of $1.2 million. Sydney’s efforts have cumulatively raised over $35,000,000 throughout her career at WPC, leaving her mark on countless lives and making an enduring difference in our state. 

While it is always hard to say goodbye to someone who has played so large a role in an organization’s success, it’s even harder to say goodbye to a friend. But part of being an organization with young, talented people is seeing them grow and occasionally leave to find new challenges and other worlds to conquer.  Such is the case now.  So, while it is gratifying that Sydney’s abilities and talents have been recognized and sought-after, it is bittersweet to announce that Sydney will be taking those talents to the Cornish College of the Arts, where she will serve as their Director of Advancement.

We know Sydney’s expertise in this field needs no luck to find success in this new venue, but we wish her good fortune and thrilling success in it anyway.  Please join WPC in thanking Sydney for all her years of work, for her tremendous contribution to our organization, and for her friendship.  Your legacy will live on in all that we do, and we are forever grateful for your time with us.

Read Sydney's personal farewell below: 

Dear Friends of WPC, 

After a remarkable 12-year journey at Washington Policy Center, I will be stepping down from my role as Vice President of Development on August 4^th.

Reflecting on the past decade, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate with you in fortifying WPC’s profound impact across our state. Your generosity and commitment have been the bedrock of the organization’s success, and for that, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.

As I transition into this new phase of my career, I am delighted to share that I will be joining Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle as their new Director of Advancement. I am eager to embrace the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead.

I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support of WPC, both in the past and for the future ahead. Your commitment has been and will continue to be instrumental in propelling the important mission forward.

While I will be leaving WPC, please know that this is not farewell, but rather "see you soon." I assure you that my commitment to making a difference remains untiring.

Once again, thank you for your support, encouragement, and generosity.

Thank you,
Sydney

Sydney Jansen
Vice President of Development
Washington Policy Center