Season 3 Episode 8: Navigating Crisis During Event Week with Lurie Children’s Ted McCartan

This week, Lurie Children’s Ted McCartan joins the podcast to share how his team navigated a cyber security attack during event week.

The seasoned event fundraising professional knows that in-person events often bring unexpected challenges—whether it’s extreme weather, political unrest or medical emergencies.

While these worst-case scenarios can take many forms, the key to navigating them successfully lies in two essential elements: a strong external communication plan and an internal strategy to support your team during what can already be a high-stress time.

This week, Marcie Maxwell is joined by Ted McCartan of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation. Ted shares the extraordinary story of how his team faced a cybersecurity attack just three days before one of their largest peer-to-peer fundraising events. Ted dives into how his team shifted into problem-solving mode, the immediate and long-term impact on their fundraising efforts and the lessons they learned through the ordeal.

You’ll also hear insights on:

– Identifying alternate methods of communication.
– Harnessing the power of an empathetic and supportive community.
– Best practices for guiding and empowering your internal team during a crisis.

Mentioned Links
https://www.luriechildrens.org/

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Podcast Guest

Ted McCartan is the Sr. Director of Community Engagement for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation. In this role he oversees all peer-to-peer fundraising for the Foundation. Ted has over 20 years of experience in p2p, corporate partnerships, board management, program development, communications and team management. He believes the role we play by hosting events and fundraising truly matters – not just to our causes but to those that find meaning, inspiration and fulfillment by their participation. Ted lives in Wilmette, IL with his wife, five boys, dog, and leopard spotted gecko.

Podcast Host

Marcie Maxwell is the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.