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Christie Eckler

Christie Eckler

Chief Advancement Officer

Dallas Arboretum Announces Christie Eckler Chief Advancement Officer

A Dynamic Fundraising Maverick and Strategist

Dallas, April 30, 2024 – Dallas Arboretum proudly announces the appointment of Christie as its new Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). With a remarkable track record in fundraising and a deep understanding of human behavior, Eckler is prepared to bring together the organization’s advancement strategies.

As a firebrand fundraiser, Christie Eckler brings energy and innovation to the role. With 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has been a catalyst for community groups, clients, and teams on numerous successful campaigns, raising over $100M in support for various causes across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Her approach to fundraising centers around meaningful relationships. 

Beyond her fundraising abilities, Christie Eckler is known for her expertise in human behavior and transformational leadership and management. With a background in social work, she possesses a unique insight into what motivates individuals to support causes they believe in. This deep understanding allows her to tailor strategies that align with donors’ legacies with supporting the organization in fostering lasting relationships and driving sustainable growth.

“I joined the Dallas Arboretum as an advisor and quickly realized I wanted to partner with this dynamic CEO, Sabina Carr, in a more significant way and support her in reaching the vision she has to build on the existing excellence of this unique and precious asset in the Dallas community,” said Christie Eckler, “It is an honor to step into this new role for Dallas Arboretum and be a part of such unique and innovative team of ambassadors.” 

Eckler emphasizes it is Sabina Carr’s approach to leadership and her expertise in public gardens that attracts her to taking on this role. Eckler elaborated, stating, “The vibrant vision Sabina Carr has for the Dallas Arboretum is truly inspiring and her passion to serve the Dallas community and this beautiful sanctuary motivates me to on her team.”

Eckler received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree of science in social work with a concentration in community administrative practice from UT Arlington. She’s a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and certified fund-raising executive (CFRE). For the past seven years, she has taught as an adjunct faculty member at UT Arlington with a principal focus on graduate courses in macro practice in the School of Social Work.

Eckler is a seasoned nonprofit professional bringing 20 years of experience in social work, fundraising, relationship cultivation and stewardship, community and board engagement, and staff development. 

“We are delighted to welcome Christie Eckler to our team,” said Sabina Carr. “With her proven track record in fundraising and innate ability to drive meaningful results, she is poised to drive our advancement efforts to new heights and make a transformative impact on our organization and the communities we serve.”

Christie Eckler officially assumed the role of Chief Advancement Officer on April 1, 2024 and she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate with the Dallas Arboretum team to achieve its mission and vision.