Mitch Boretz, APMP Fellow (Class of 2008)
Bio
Mitch Boretz retired in 2021 after 25 years directing proposal operations for the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside. His office produced more than 500 proposals per year to generate about US$45 million annually, mostly in federal grants ranging in value from five figures to eight figures. Mitch helped researchers find suitable funding opportunities, plan and prepare effective proposals, and build good proposal writing skills. Now that he is retired, he volunteers as a proposal writer and strategist for very small non-profits, volunteers in the community, rides his bicycle more, and takes better care of his yard. Mitch holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and worked for 14 years as a news reporter and editor before beginning his proposal career.
What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?
I've always said that the more you put into your APMP membership, the more you get out of it. Being named a fellow recognized the work I did to restart what then was the Southern California chapter (now the Western chapter). It has given me access to a wonderful network of friends and colleagues who helped me throughout my career -- and now a platform to mentor the next generation of proposal leaders.
What's your best memory from attending an APMP event?
Wow, so many. I still remember my first APMP conference in Albuquerque. I barely understood the jargon, and I came from a much smaller shop than most people there. But there was a session called "Competitive Advantage in the Cost Volume," which just blew my mind. I used tips from that session for the rest of my career.
What advice do you have for a proposal professional entering our field?
Join APMP. Be active. Be an advocate for yourself and for your office's role in your organization's success. And keep looking ahead: Technology will continue to change our environment, and we have the opportunity to steer that change.
