Mer Stafford

Mer Stafford has a diverse work experience across multiple companies and roles. They began their career as an Administrator at Lawrence Covell, where they worked from 1990 to 1999. Following this, they became an Independent Business Owner at Stafford Frame Makers from 1999 to 2009. During this time, they also founded Tashi Gatsel Ling in 2009 and served as its Founder until 2013.

In 2013, Mer joined Kadampa Center as a Special Event Producer, where they managed a two-week remote residential event and led fundraising efforts. They worked there until 2014.

From 2009 to 2015, Mer worked as a Project Archivist at LYWA.

In 2015, Mer became involved with Land of Medicine Buddha and held multiple roles. They served as the Special Event Producer, coordinating an annual Cultural Festival, from December 2015 to June 2016. They then transitioned to the role of Assistant Director, responsible for operational leadership and assisting in fundraising efforts, from June 2016 to July 2017. After that, they were promoted to Executive Director and provided leadership in driving mission-driven programs, strategic planning, and successful fundraising. They held this position until November 2020.

In 2021, Mer worked as a Nonprofit Leadership & Development Consultant at Stafford & Assoc. They then joined Housing Matters as the Director of Fundraising & Development from April 2021 to August 2021.

Currently, they hold the position of Chief Impact Officer at Housing Matters, where they lead the executive team, oversee fundraising strategies, manage communications, engage with the community, and maintain strategic relationships.

Overall, Mer Stafford has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, event management, community engagement, and strategic planning.

Mer Stafford has a background in merchandising, with a specialization in metalsmithing and visual communication. They attended Bay State College for merchandising studies and later studied metalsmithing at the California College of the Arts. Additionally, Mer obtained a Project Management Certificate from UC Irvine. They also have several certifications, including "Speaking Confidently and Effectively" from LinkedIn, "Mental Health First Aid" from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, "Mediator Certification" from the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, "FPMT Service Seminar Certification" from FPMT Inc, and "Nonviolent Communication Certification" from the Center for Nonviolent Communication.