STRATEGIC VISION

"In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd."

-Miguel de Cervantes

Diversifying for the Future

Created and implemented a plan to expand and lead a 7-member Development Team that resulted in diversifying and growing council’s average net philanthropic revenue by more than $200,000 in 3 years. Milestones achieved include:
- Alumni Engagement/Major Gifts Officer: $100,000 Charitable Remainder Trust and $50,000 unrestricted Major Gift secured from low-profile Scouters. NESA Chapter Reconstituted, Eagle Dinner revenue/attendance increases and recurring Alumni Giving Societies.
- Director of Grants & Foundations: Exceeded 3-year portfolio growth benchmarks in year two securing $190,825 in net new grants.
- Prospect Research Analyst: Embraced Blackbaud CRM conversion and completed successful de-duplication and wealth screen project on 300,000-constituent database.
As Director of Development, worked directly with Scout Executive and Nominating Committee to identify, cultivate and recruit 6 board members to strengthen and diversify council leadership.
Expanded public sector interest in Scouting and successfully secured $250,000 line item funding appropriation for After School Scouting Programs in 2018-2019 Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget in partnership with Pittsburgh's Laurel Highlands Council.
Introduced Liberty Society re-occuring gifts program in 2015 for Annual Friends of Scouting Donors. Entering 2020, the council recognized 294 society members whose sustained support accounted for more than 26% of our $340,000 annual FOS Goal.
Helping to lead council's pursuit of Small Business Administration financing through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Programs during COVID-19 crisis to ensure Scouting programs remain robust and ready for recovery.

Development Expansion Plan

Quartely Board Reporting Example

Capital Success

Worked directly with Scout Executive, Director of Support Services and Board to interview, select and inform fundraising consultant and design-build firm throughout planning and feasibility stage for a $6.5 million Capital Campaign.
Collaborated with campaign leadership to draft and produce original collateral, donor recognition plan, and gift commitment materials.
Spearheaded successful 3-year lobbying effort resulting in $2 million redevelopment grant.
Cultivated special event honoree's interest in urban youth through annual adopt-a-troop major gift program. Successfully negotiated $150,000 Capital Campaign Gift from donor and his family to create a Quartermaster Gear Outfitters for low-income Scouts in Philadelphia.
Personally solicited 5-and-6-figure gifts and worked with Scout Executive and Vice President to enroll 100% of Council Board during Silent Phase.
Structured major gift prospect moves-management strategy and coached board members through outreach to their network prospects.
Responsible for ongoing donor communications and acknowledgments stewarding givers who have invested more than $2.8 million in Scouting Ahead Campaign as of April 1, 2020.

Pilots & Partnerships for Growth

Championed a trauma-informed approach to Scouting among all levels of staff, volunteers and Scoutreach Program Specialists, leading to the council’s first United Way Grant since 2000. This 3-year $60,000 grant underwrites after-school programming for 5 inner-city Troops.

State Department of Education/Pittsburgh Funding.
Developed partnership with Medicaid provider Health Partners Plans and Department of Human Services to pilot Scouting as an intervention to support wellness in teens at risk for chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Troop 1431 integrates traditional Scouting methods and ScoutStrong achievements with monthly fitness and bio-metric checks.
Engaged with broader Out-of-School Time community helping the council become a charter member of the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC). As active members in PYSC, the council merited funding consideration from the Horner Foundation, which invested in a 2-year $30,000 grant to support after-school troops for at-risk youth and has become a recognized leader in Youth Protection and outcomes gathering.
Supported Council Membership and Marketing Initiatives by securing a $10,000 Major Gift to develop brand assets featuring local Scouts and settings. These authentic materials resonated stronger with focus group participants than National BSA assets with southwest architecture and palm trees. Combined with a grant from the Northeast Region, these funds help support digital and social media ad boosts and join night geo-fencing, which led to a 4% signup increase among participating packs in 2019.