Associate Director, Planned Giving
Best Friends Animal Society^®
Kanab, UT
bestfriends.org
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Matt Claflin is the Associate Director of Planned Giving at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, UT. He joined Best Friends in 2014. He leads a team that raises over $60 million per year and is also a resource to the entire Best Friends development team for outright and deferred complex gifts. Matt has been a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners since 2015. In addition, Matt consults with multiple non profit organizations each year on implementing and maximizing their planned giving programs.

Matt is a Certified Financial Planner© and worked in the financial services industry for 17 years before joining Best Friends. He spent time working for Edward Jones, The Hartford and Fidelity. Matt currently serves on the board of directors for the American Council on Gift Annuities and The Utah Planned Giving Roundtable and has served on the boards of multiple non profit organizations in the past.

When he’s not at work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their menagerie of pets, building furniture in his workshop or exploring the amazing scenery and endless outdoor activities in Southern Utah.

Fun Facts About Matt

What was your first job?

It was when I was 5 or 6 years old. My Dad grew a huge vegetable garden at our house every year, and I was expected to help with the garden on a daily basis. I talked my Dad into letting me have the extra produce our family wouldn't be able to eat so I could start a business. I took my Mom's kitchen scale and my wagon and began a door to door vegetable sales business in my neighborhood.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It would be easy for me to say animals have always been family, and working in animal welfare doesn't feel like a job on most days.  That is definitely true, but it's not my favorite part. I didn't know planned giving was a job until I applied to work for Best Frends Animal Society in 2014. When I learned I could use my knowledge and experience on a subject I greatly enjoy to help others have a positive impact on the world and leave a legacy, I immediately knew I'd found the job I should have being doing my entire life. Working with donors and other people in development to make that positive impact on the world is incredibly fun and rewarding.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I'm incredibly fortunate to say where I live is also my favorite vacation spot. I live 90 minutes or less from four national parks. In addition, southern Utah is an outdoor playground. There are endless hikes, bike rides and off road areas to explore.  It's one of the most beautiful areas of the world I've ever been to. Before moving here, my wife and I were vacationing to this area twice per year.

When you're not at work, what are your passions?

I work in animal welfare, but animals are also a passion at home. My wife and I have dogs, cats, bunnies and sheep. We especially enjoy working with shy animals. It teaches us great empathy and patience while helping an animal enjoy their daily life. When I'm not with the animals, you are likely to find me in my workshop building furniture or taking care of chores on my tractor.