Fractional First
EAE

Experienced Advancement Executive

Advancement Executive | Fundraising and Communications Strategist | Higher Education and Nonprofit Leadership Consultant

United States

Description

This executive brings over 20 years of expertise in driving fundraising, communications, and leadership across multi-campus higher education and nonprofit organizations. Known for strengthening advancement operations and fostering collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive cultures, this professional partners closely with senior leaders, boards, and communities to navigate change and achieve sustainable growth. Their approach combines strategic rigor with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and impactful storytelling.

Key Roles

  • •Founded and led a consulting firm providing hands-on fundraising, communications, board development, and leadership transition support for mission-driven organizations over nearly two decades.
  • •Directed multi-campus advancement strategy at a major community college, overseeing fundraising efforts that generated over $20 million to support students and programs.
  • •Designed transformative advancement systems including donor stewardship, campaign strategies, and integrated communications that increased institutional visibility and stakeholder engagement.
  • •Served as educator in public relations, blending academic insight with practical leadership development in communications and fundraising.
  • •Holds a doctoral degree focused on philanthropic motivations, providing a scholarly foundation for applied advancement work.

Meet Me

Hello! I’m a passionate advancement professional with over two decades of leadership experience in higher education and nonprofit sectors. I help institutions navigate change, increase funding, and build stronger communities through strategic communications and leadership development. I enjoy partnering with mission-driven leaders to enhance fundraising, tell impactful stories, and cultivate inclusive teams that propel their goals forward. Outside work, I am committed to advancing equity and empowering others through knowledge sharing.

Personas

Advancement Architect

  • •Designs and enhances fundraising, communications, and donor engagement frameworks for multi-campus higher education institutions.
  • •Builds scalable advancement systems and aligned teams that improve outcomes and stakeholder trust over time.
  • •Leads campaign planning, sponsorship, and naming initiatives with measurable impact.

Superpowers

Superpowers not available

Sweet Spot

Thrives at the intersection of advancement leadership, executive coaching, and communications, transforming complex challenges into actionable growth strategies. Excels in high-stakes environments where ethical leadership and inclusive culture-building foster sustainable philanthropic and organizational success.

Functional Skills

Advancement & Fundraising Strategy
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Campaign Planning & Donor Pipeline Development- Developed multi-year fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies that increased philanthropic contributions and aligned stakeholders.
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Board Development & Engagement- Designed training programs, retreats, and governance practices that empowered boards to become more effective and mission-driven partners.
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Foundation and Scholarship Operations- Managed foundation assets, scholarship administration, and compliance frameworks to maximize organizational impact and transparency.
Communications & Public Relations
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Crisis Communications & Media Relations- Led public relations efforts during institutional changes and critical situations, safeguarding brand reputation and stakeholder confidence.
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Messaging & Storytelling- Crafted compelling narratives and marketing materials that resonate across diverse audiences including donors, alumni, and community partners.
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Integrated Communications Planning- Implemented cohesive long-term strategies aligning marketing, public relations, and fundraising communications.
Leadership & Organizational Development
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Executive Coaching & Transition Support- Guides leaders through career transitions, strategic change, and performance enhancement with personalized coaching and facilitation.
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Team Building & Culture Development- Builds inclusive, high-performing teams by clarifying roles, setting goals, and fostering trust and collaboration.
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Leadership- Champions DEI initiatives by embedding equitable practices and belonging into advancement and organizational culture.

User Manual

This professional excels when engaged early in strategic planning, with openness to honest assessment and clear priorities. Prefers direct, professional communication and collaborative environments that balance pragmatic action with culture and inclusion focus. Best suited for complex fundraising, communications, and leadership challenges seeking measurable, sustainable impact.

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Education

  • •Doctorate in Community College Leadership from a national U.S. university
  • •Master’s degree in Mass Communication with a focus on media management from a leading U.S. institution
  • •Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication specializing in public relations from a recognized U.S. university
  • •Accreditation in Public Relations from a universal professional board
  • •Certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from a reputable credentialing organization

Focus Areas

Advancement OperationsFundraising Strategy & Donor DevelopmentCommunications & Public RelationsBoard & Volunteer EngagementLeadership Advising & Executive CoachingOrganizational Change ManagementEquity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Industries

Higher EducationNonprofitPhilanthropyPublic RelationsCommunity Engagement

Geographical Coverage

United States

Stage

GrowthSustained OperationsLeadership Transition

Personal Interests

Equity and Social JusticeCommunity ServiceEducationPublic SpeakingPhilanthropy

Certifications

Accredited in Public Relations (APR)Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace