Philadelphia, Pa. – CFRE International has awarded Mark Chilutti of Philadelphia, Pa. (19116), the professional designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive. Chilutti, Director of Major Gifts at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, joins a select group of more than 4,700 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation. Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International, which include tenure in the profession, education, professional achievements, and a commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations. They have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights. Candidates must pass a rigorous written exam, testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of fundraising executives.

“The CFRE process was developed as a way to identify for the public and employers those individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective, conscientious, ethical and professional manner,” states Susan F. Rice, Ed.D., ACFRE; chair of CFRE International. “Achievement of the CFRE credential demonstrates the level of commitment on the part of Mr. Chilutti to himself and the profession as a whole.”

CFRE recipients are awarded certification for a three-year period.  In order to maintain certification status, they must continue to demonstrate on-going fundraising employment, fundraising results, and continue with their professional education.

Chilutti joined the staff of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia as the Director of Major Gifts in 2001, after several years as a key volunteer with the organization. In his current position, Mark is responsible for the direction of the annual giving campaign, planned giving, and solicitation and cultivation of major gifts. He also serves as the chairman of the Night of Champions event to raise funds for Magee’s Community Programs Fund. He was recognized in 2000 with the President’s Award by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives for his work as a volunteer.

Prior to his employment at Magee, Chilutti served as President of M and M Jewelers in Northeast Philadelphia, a retail store he opened in 1994 at the age of 25.  While in the jewelry industry he received certificates from the Gemological Institute of America in Diamonds and Diamond Grading, as well as Fine Jewelry Management and Sales. In 1993 he was recognized in the Who’s Who of Rising Young Americans in Business and Industry.

In addition to his duties at Magee, he is often in demand as a top public speaker on the need for disability insurance, gun safety issues, and other motivational topics. He has spoken to organizations both large and small, including being featured on the Main Platform at the Million Dollar Roundtable in 2001. He has appeared on CNN, Fox News Undercover, the Montel Williams Show, and various other programs. He has also received recognition for his triumph over tragedy by being honored with the “Courage to Come Back” award from the Mercy Healthcare System, and as a “Hometown Hero” by the Philadelphia 76ers. In 2002 he was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the “40 Under 40” of young businesspeople to watch.