Former Knight Commander and KAOEF Executive Vice President Ben W. Satcher, Jr. was recently named as a recipient of the 2023 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional by the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE).
A lifelong dedicated KA and interfraternity volunteer and professional, Ben W. Satcher, Jr. has led the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation’s (KAOEF) fundraising efforts for 15 years. His exceptional leadership and fundraising success has elevated the KAOEF in the fraternal philanthropic movement.
It is for his innovation, devotion to the cause, and strategic implementation, that Satcher has been recognized as a 2023 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional. His award will be presented on Tuesday, August 29, during the FFE Awards of Distinction Program, part of FFE Seminar.
Before joining the KAOEF staff in 2008, Ben served as Order’s 38th Knight Commander, or national president, from 2003–2007. It was during this tenure that he found his second career calling to pursue fraternal fundraising and left his family business where he served as president of Satcher Ford, in Lexington, S.C., from 1995–2008.
“Ben has been instrumental in developing and implementing fundraising plans that have led to increased philanthropic impact and donor engagement. He is not afraid to take risks and is always willing to try new approaches to achieve the KAOEF’s goals,” said KAOEF President Larry Stanton Wiese.
As Executive Vice President of KAOEF, Ben is responsible for development and fundraising as well as ongoing planned giving efforts and has launched many successful campaigns including Kappa Alpha Order’s Crimson and Gold Campaign which saw the KAOEF become the first organization to achieve 1,000 donors giving $1,000 or more annually, unrestricted.
In addition to his many responsibilities and accomplishments serving Kappa Alpha Order, Ben has also been a dedicated volunteer with the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE). Originally sitting on the Awards Review Committee and later chairing the Seminar Planning Committee, Ben eventually joined the Board of Directors in 2017, serving as president from 2019–2020.
FFE Executive Director Ashley VanDewark shared, “Ben’s steadfast and thoughtful leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ensured FFE’s stability and strengthened our future – I couldn’t imagine having worked with any other volunteer partner during that uncertain time. Ben has been a trusted advisor to me and others since coming onto the board and continues to make his mark on the FFE of today and tomorrow. In his critical role chairing the Nomination Committee, Ben has helped us attract and elect talented and experienced Directors who proudly champion FFE’s mission.”
With a commitment to higher education and knowing the value of the fraternal experience, Ben is a member of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education—a role appointed by the Governor—and has served with the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee, holding the role of president in 2021. And, in 2022 Ben served on the joint North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)/FFE Fraternities Matter Campaign Committee helping to secure funding for critical research initiatives which will help strengthen the future of the fraternity experience.
An interfraternal leader and confidant to many, Ben brings his kindness, empathy and humor to every role and relationship regardless of the organization or affiliation.
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) cultivates a culture of care, provides connections and supports research across the fraternal community. Often known as the “heart” of a fraternal organization, foundations and fundraising professionals come together to comprise membership and benefit from programs, services and resources for fraternal fundraising. The FFE also provides operational support for established, new and emerging fraternal foundations and works hand-in-hand with several fraternal communities to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience.
