CHICAGO, August 12, 2021 – Alford Group is proud to announce that Vice President Maree G. Bullock has been selected to receive the prestigious 2021 Benjamin Franklin Award at AFP Chicago’s 45th Annual Philanthropy Awards.
The Benjamin Franklin Award from AFP Chicago recognizes someone especially dedicated to the philanthropic sector over a long career during which they have achieved great things and become a mentor for others in their field. Maree G. Bullock, currently a vice president at Alford Group, has been selected to receive this year’s award.
Alford Group is honored to have had Maree on our team for the last 32 years and counting. She has provided invaluable service to organizations across many facets of the social sector and set a shining example of true philanthropic spirit and passion in the work of our firm.
As an equity-forward firm working to intentionally model diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, we admire and are inspired by Maree’s dedication to bettering the lives of ALL people.
“We are so proud to see Maree receive this award,” said Brenda B. Asare, President and CEO of Alford Group. “Maree has mentored, coached and served as a trusted advisor to so many in the sector – senior and new professions alike. She brings out the best in those she advises and raises their sights on possibilities their organizations can realize.”
Through her work over the past three decades, Maree has provided consulting services in fundraising, strategic planning, organizational and board development, interim staffing and executive coaching. Maree’s passion for this work has resulted in deepened impact across all sectors.
Prior to her work at Alford Group, Maree served as Executive Director of the W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation for 29 years. Maree has also served on many nonprofit boards including The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, Forefront, The Council on Foundations, The John R. Houlsby Foundation, Children’s Home + Aid of Illinois, National Runaway Safeline and Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago. The depth of Maree’s philanthropy is significant and her generosity has benefited numerous organizations.
“I’m grateful every day I get to work with organizations that are making a real difference in the communities they serve,” Bullock said. “I want to thank AFP Chicago for recognizing me, without failing to acknowledge that my work is already incredibly rewarding. It’s allowed me to experience transformative partnerships with wonderful organizations and contribute to their missions in an intimate way. That, to me, is one of the greatest joys of working in philanthropy.”
In addition to her many accomplishments, Maree has volunteered at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago and Community Schools, and is an avid international traveler.
“Maree truly represents of the best of our field – determined, innovative and passionate about bettering people’s lives through the nonprofit sector,” said Asare. “We are excited to continue to work with and learn from Maree and look forward to all her future accomplishments.”
We at Alford Group congratulate Maree on being selected for this prestigious award and thank her for her continuing commitment to equity in the philanthropic sector.
Read Maree G. Bullock’s Bio.