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Work Background
Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF)Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Jan. 2024 - Dec. 2024Chicago, Illinois, United StatesLed comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance philanthropic support for NREF initiatives, driving revenue growth and donor engagement. Cultivated strategic partnerships and strengthened donor stewardship efforts to advance the foundation’s mission and financial sustainability. Key Achievements & Impact:
🔹 Major Gifts & Revenue Growth
• Led the NREF Board in securing $675K in new major gifts and pledges at the 2024 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting, significantly boosting philanthropic revenue. 🔹 Strategic Financial Management
• Managed a $4M annual operating budget, ensuring effective resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability. 🔹 Leadership & Team Development
• Mentored and guided a high-performing team of three, fostering a culture of accountability and success. 🔹 Institutional Advancement
• Developed and secured Board approval for a multi-year fund development and communication plan to drive sustained fundraising growth. 🔹 Operational Excellence & Transparency
• Achieved the GuideStar Silver Seal of Transparency, reinforcing NREF’s commitment to accountability and donor confidence. 🔹 Executive Leadership Contribution
• Served as a key member of the AANS Executive Leadership Team, shaping strategic direction and advancing neurosurgery education and research globally.
The Actuarial FoundationExecutive Director
Oct. 2015 - Dec. 2023Schaumburg, ILTransformed the Foundation’s governance, fundraising, and programmatic impact through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Established key committees—including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Finance, and Risk Management—to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, and foster accountability. Key Achievements & Impact:
🔹 Revenue Growth & Major Campaigns
• Led the Educate. Connect. Change. campaign, surpassing its $5M goal by raising $5.2M.
• Increased annual fundraising from $1.5M to $4M in seven years by fostering a donor-centric culture.
• Launched the Foundation’s first Major Gifts campaign, securing $350K in high-value contributions.
• Secured unrestricted grants, saving over $1M in operating costs. 🔹 National Program Expansion
• Partnered with the Board to launch three flagship initiatives—Math Motivators, Modeling the Future Challenge, and STEM Stars—engaging 3,000+ underserved students and 1,800 volunteers annually, generating $1M+ in program support per year.
• Earned ASAE Power of A Summit & Gold awards, placing the Foundation among just six national honorees. 🔹 Strategic & Financial Leadership
• Managed a $4M annual budget, ensuring sustainability and impact.
• Led and mentored a 20-member team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Achieved the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, reinforcing donor confidence. 🔹 Branding & Operational Independence
• Directed a full rebrand, enhancing website, social media, and communications to elevate visibility.
• Led the Foundation’s separation from a parent organization, establishing independent governance and operations.
JourneyCare Foundation (Formerly Hospice Foundation of Northeastern IL)Vice President of Foundation
Jan. 2013 - Sep. 2015Barrington, ILLed all annual fundraising initiatives totaling $2.5M, strengthened donor engagement, and drove strategic growth initiatives to advance the Foundation’s mission. Enhanced Board of Trustees involvement, expanded volunteer participation, and launched branding efforts that introduced key giving programs, including Grateful Family & Friends and Monthly Recurring Giving. Key Achievements & Impact:
🔹 Fundraising & Revenue Growth
• Exceeded annual fundraising revenue target by 63%, increasing major gifts ($10K+) by 48% and planned giving commitments by 51% through strategic donor cultivation and high-impact events, including the annual Gala.
• Designed and launched the CEO Meet & Greet series, successfully attracting new major donors and deepening stakeholder engagement. 🔹 Leadership & Program Development
• Mentored a team of nine fundraising professionals, fostering a high-performance culture and exceeding revenue goals.
• Established a Youth Advisory Board of 12 high school students, empowering youth to lead volunteer projects and fundraising initiatives.
JourneyCare Foundation (formerly Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois)Senior Director of Development
Jan. 2012 - Jan. 2013Barrington, ILResponsible for the research, writing and solicitation of major, planned gifts and/or grants.
Assist in the agency's overall strategic planning and business development and foundation events.
Work closely with the agency's Board of Directors and Trustees.
Benedictine UniversitySenior Advancement Officer - College of Business
Apr. 2008 - Jan. 2012Developed and executed strategic fundraising initiatives to cultivate relationships with 125 major gift prospects and 50 corporate partners, driving philanthropic support for university programs across multiple colleges. Key Achievements & Impact:
🔹 Campaign & Fundraising Success
• Led the Gallery Campaign, securing $210K in contributions toward a $2M goal, enhancing campus cultural and educational spaces.
• Designed and launched the College of Business Annual Giving Program, reaching 5,000 alumni, strengthening donor engagement, and establishing a foundation for sustained alumni contributions.
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