Heather Distad

Director Of Philanthropy at Access Fund
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Durango, Colorado, United States, US

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Skyler Williams

I have worked with hundreds of event planners over the years ( 50 + major corporate events a year for 13 years!) and very few are at the caliber of Heather. We worked together on this year's fundraiser gala for the Access Fund. Virtual events are especially difficult and Heather managed the program with best in class communication and organization. The Access Fund is lucky to have such A+ talent.

Melissa Daruna

Heather is one of the hardest working, most dedicated people I know. Her positivity and creativity are contagious. Heather leads with grace and empathy yet sets the bar high and supports her team every step of the way. I am constantly impressed with her drive to learn, explore and help others. Her relationship building is genuine, her communication style is honest and her work ethic cannot be beat.

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Experience

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organization Management
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Director Of Philanthropy
      • Apr 2018 - Present

      In this position, I lead Access Fund’s fundraising engagement within events, volunteers, middle and major donors, corporate partners, climbing gyms, foundations, and other partners to advance the organization’s strategic vision for sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment.I work collaboratively as part of a larger revenue team—including digital fundraising, outreach, marketing, and communications—all working together to raise $3-4 million annually to drive organizational growth and impact, with a goal of growing philanthropic revenue over time. Within the revenue team, I develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for personal cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation while collaborating on strategies for digital engagement and activation. I also oversee fundraising events and works collaboratively across the organization to manage Access Fund’s community-based outreach efforts.

    • Freelance Event and Engagement Manager
      • Jul 2017 - Mar 2018

      Contract event planner for the Fall of 2017. Plan and oversee event segments, volunteer recruitment and training, logistics, and event at large. Events and responsibilities include:Stand Up for Public Lands Dinner, Annual Fundraiser - Oakland, CASeptember 9th, 2017-Assist in the organization of event's silent and live auction, which includes over 85 items in total-Ensure auction items' descriptions, bid sheets, value, and wagers are both intriguing and realistic-Manage on-site set up and display of auction-Supervise silent auction display and interactions during the event-Complete auction checkout-Assist in major donor strategyAccess Fund Reel Rock - Boulder, CONovember 16th, 2017-Coordinate volunteer logistics-Recruit and train volunteers for Access Fund tabling for three Reel Rock showingsAccess Fund Holiday Party, Spangalang Brewery - Denver, CO December 6th, 2017-Manage communications between Access Fund staff, brewery and partners-Configure and track event budget-Create marketing materials for event promotion for: email, Facebook, Instagram, and poster printing-Work with Access Fund staff to implement marketing strategy and timeline-Solicit event donations and raffle prizes -Coordinate event timeline and set up-Recruit and supervise event volunteers-Oversee night-of logistics and flow

    • Special Events Committee Member
      • Jan 2016 - Oct 2017

      Serve as proactive committee member in planning for Access Fund's 25th Anniversary Dinner event in October of 2016. Serve as point person for volunteer recruitment and management. Attend Outdoor Retailer show in August 2016 as Access Fund representative.Duties include, but are not limited to:-Attend planning meetings-Review and contribute to event marketing materials-Assist in donor management (thank you letters, calls, etc.) -Collect in-kind and cash donations-Execute climbing community outreach and event awareness-Event set up and tear down

    • Founder and Lead Consultant
      • Jun 2020 - Present

      Leading and assisting organizations in advancing their fundraising platforms and messaging through the following avenues:- Developing fundraising strategy and tactics as relevant to the organization’s goals- Individual donor cultivation planning and communications- Special events and volunteer managementCurrent or past clients include:- United States Ski Mountaineering Association: ussma.org- Cerebral Therapeutics: cerebraltherapeutics.com- Project Ropa: projectropa.org- PCOS Challenge: pcoschallenge.org

    • United States
    • Civic and Social Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Board Member
      • Dec 2020 - Present

      Active board member serving on the volunteer program and development/fundraising committees.Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national advocacy organization specifically for the hiking community. Our advocacy focuses on the needs of the hiking community, from championing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the outdoors to protecting public lands. Our volunteer trail service programs (Volunteer Vacations, Alternative Break, and National Trails Day®) bolster our advocacy through developing lifelong outdoor activists and emerging outdoor leaders. In 2018, AHS launched NextGen Trail Leaders, an activist ambassador program that comprises a group of 18 – 40 year old leaders and social media influencers in outdoor conservation and JEDI.

    • United States
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
      • Aug 2020 - Dec 2021

      The mission of the Parks and Recreation Committee is to protect, improve, and promote our parks and open space for present and future generations. The various park amenities are an integral part of the Town.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:- Conduct study of critical issues in relation to current events and considerations.- Hear public testimony, independent research, and review staff reports and recommendations.- Discuss, formulate, and forward well-developed, thoughtful recommendations to the Town Council.- Propose annual work plan to the Town Manager/ Town Council for consideration. Ensure goal and initiatives are in line with Town's master plan.- Meet monthly with committee group and Town Council.

    • Marketing and Events
      • Aug 2016 - May 2018

      Event and Volunteer Management (60%)-Served as organization's point and planning person for events and outreach-Planned and implemented seasonal fundraising a plan-Played a key role in the facilitation and planning of Friend of CAIC and CAIC's events throughout the state of Colorado:Colorado Snow and Avalanche WorkshopInternational Snow Science WorkshopBenefit Bash (Raising over $100,000 with approximately 1,300 attendees)Arapahoe Basin Beacon BowlLoveland Cornharvest-Designed and managed creative materials for all event marketing using Adobe Creative programs-Implemented and monitored marketing timelines/strategies for all outputs (social media, email and organic reach)-Recruited, trained and supervised event volunteers-Created content for and distribute "The Monthly Dump" electronic newsletterEducational Programming (20%)-Oversaw logistics of Know Before You Go Awareness Program-Worked closely with Executive Director and CAIC to schedule and manage Know Before You Go Courses-Oversaw KBYG instructors' success by: Tracking inventory, stock and ship all KBYG materials Communicate with instructors to ensure they have the materials/training they need-Assisted in development and maintenance of relationships with programs that request and use the program-Researched and submitted grant proposals for program, completed funder follow up and output reportsDonors and Fundraising Campaigns (10%)-Managed all aspects of online donation relationships -Wrote and send thank you letters to new and returning donors Inventory and stock donor materials including: swag, stickers, apparel and letterhead-Kept donor records organized in Salesforce database-Created theme, marketing strategy and drive behind seasonal marketing campaignsSponsorship (10%)-Built and maintained relationships with corporate & industry sponsors -Attended Outdoor Retailer and SnowSports Industries America shows annually

    • Recreation and Events
      • Oct 2013 - Aug 2016

      School Age Programming, Supervision & Marketing:-Ensure successful programming and experiences for both staff and community members through the coordination of day-to-day operations of the following recreation programs:--Before and After School Recreation Program, Teen & Pre-Teen Programs, Summer Camp, Enrichment Programs, Teens Rising Above In Leadership And Service Youth Committee-Supervise, guide and review 25-60 part-time and seasonal employees, including a middle-management leadership team of 2-6 staff-Monitor and plan programs' expenditures, revenue and statistics-Develop and facilitate monthly staff training for continual staff and program growth-Identify community / family needs and interests through surveys and forums to create affordable, fun and progressive recreational programs-Create program-specific marketing materials, including newspaper articles, flyers, and website promotion-Work with District-wide employees and departments to maximize program efficiency and effectiveness-Establish short-term and long-term goals for programs and recreation department alongside leadership teamSpecial Events & Marketing:-Serve on Special Event Planning Committee-Assist in general planning and execution of events-Continually develop marketing and promotional materials for events including event logos, flyers, Facebook postings, and website materials.-Utilize Boomerang marketing platform-Assist in and lead the coordination of District-wide special events, including Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Concert Series, Family Fright Night, Holiday Happenings, Fall Brew-Ha, and Gobble Wobble 5K & Fun Run-Winter 2015-2016: Led the creation and completion of Ken-Caryl's first Winter-Spring, online course catalog.Website and Graphic Design:-Update and manage website data, materials and messages, WordPress-Create website promotional banners and images-Tasked with redesigning the District logo in Fall of 2015-See my uploaded documents for examples of work

    • United States
    • Recreational Facilities
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Annual Conference Committee
      • Jan 2014 - Oct 2015

      Assist in the planning and execution of the annual conference. Duties include, but are not limited to:-Attending planning meetings-Reviewing and selecting educational sessions-Packet stuffing-Event set-up-Registration processing and table hosting-Room/speaker introductions-Awards banquet narration. Assist in the planning and execution of the annual conference. Duties include, but are not limited to:-Attending planning meetings-Reviewing and selecting educational sessions-Packet stuffing-Event set-up-Registration processing and table hosting-Room/speaker introductions-Awards banquet narration.

    • United States
    • Government Administration
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Parks and Recreation Intern - YSI Program, Special Events and Facilities
      • Jan 2013 - Jun 2013

      Youth Services Initiative (YSI) Program Experiences:-Assist with the general planning and implementation of at-risk youth, after-school recreational programs-Plan and facilitate at least two programming sessions to include educational and recreational components by; collaborating with YSI director to create Pathways to College program, and leading two or more Pathways to College programs for youth and their parents/guardians-Serve as supervisor for 15-25 youth and other YSI staff -Develop YSI program handbook for accreditor review Special Events Experiences:-Take charge of 11th annual Community Cleanup Day, consisting of 10 park sites and 500+ volunteers-Coordinate volunteer registration and marketing efforts-Work with event committee to collect donated materials and prizes-Produce event timeline and checklists for park site leadersFacilities Experiences:-Serve as facility representative, welcoming guests and members-Observe general day-to-day operations involved in facility management

    • C.O.O.L. Intake Coordinator / Development Manager Assistant
      • Apr 2012 - Dec 2012

      The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center offers a counseling environment where individuals, couples, and families can bring their concerns about life and relationships. The highly educated and credentialed counselors help people find solutions for current and past life issues, and build a hopeful future. The Center also provides consultation and educational services to professionals, businesses, and congregations.The DMPCC serves individuals and families, children, teens, and adults from all backgrounds. All are welcome.As the Intake Coordinator for C.O.O.L (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life), I am entirely responsible for interviewing prospective C.O.O.L. clients and their families in regards to their concerns and reasons for seeking counseling. Taking these concerns into consideration, clients are then matched with one of the 25+ counselors. On a day-to-day basis, I work one-on-one with counselors to best provide clients with their counseling needs. As the Development Manager Assistant, I am responsible for coordinating grant applications, assist with the annual Women Helping Women luncheon, and general outreach and marketing functions.Also serving on the Community and Collegiality subcommittee of the Cultural Assessment Project within the center. Actively seeking and improving ways to keep the center efficient, but friendly, safe, and flexible with change. Continually developing ways to make working hand in hand educational.Other day-to-day activities include:-Greeting current and new patients, checking in as appropriate-Answering phones, transferring calls as appropriate-Completing and compiling client paperwork-Managing C.O.O.L. program waitlist and scheduling for all counselors-Managing client current/terminated files-Creating brochures/marketing materials for center-Handling mass marketing mailings

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 300 - 400 Employee
    • Career Services Coordinator
      • Apr 2011 - Apr 2012

      Here, I am responsible for the entire Career Services Department. Hands on learning and skill obtainment are crucial for the fields our students will be entering and the CS Coordinator is responsible for their professional development and learning. In addition, the CS Coordinator facilitates 'VSTAR' workshops on resumes, career vision, and general job searching/interview basics. The CS Coordinator is also responsible for maintaining an up-to-date look at the job markets for the students' fields. I work one-on-one with students daily, assisting them with their career path and success while overcoming a variety of barriers. A general job description is outlined below:Provide students and graduates with academic and professional development counseling/trainingCreate/present multiple professional and leadership training seminars to groups of 20 or moreConduct graduate outreach for career service assistance and training through mailings, emails, and phone callsAdvise students how to overcome day-to-day barriers regarding employment and educational successCreated Vatterott Student Representatives Board, facilitated development and advised student membersDevelop, sustain, and nurture employer relationships throughout Central IowaResponsible for the coordination and facilitation of the following:On-campus career fairs and professional visit daysFour advisory board meetings/webinars each year for each academic programMass graduation ceremony for student graduatesEstablish/maintain electronic database containing student and graduate records, as well as complete hard-copy records

    • Case Manager/Polk County Liaison
      • Jun 2010 - Apr 2011

      At ICHS, we assist 14-21 year old, at-risk youth in seeking employment and/or education through case management and counseling in accordance with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Clients' needs range from re-entry into secondary school, starting and completing a GED, entry into post-secondary school, or finding employment. Our case management assists youth overcome the prominent barriers that have been preventing them from working on their educational/employment goals.Duties included general case management, counseling, work readiness class facilitation, job development, and continual training. Beyond the general duties, clientele empowerment, follow-up, and personal responsibility are crucial at ICHS. Showing clients we care about their betterment and/or move forward creates great rapport and encourages success!Services provided to clients with assistance included transportation, childcare, job shadowing/work experience, tutoring, work clothing, educational supplies, educational/employment incentives, and many others.General duties are outlined below:Coordinated job development with community businesses for youth work experiencesBuilt relationships and collaborated with local high schools and non-profits for increased program participationConducted individual assessments with program participants, enrolled into programConstructed “Work Readiness and Leadership” workshop curriculum, facilitated repetitive five-six session courseWorked one-on-one with at-risk 14-21 year olds: mentored, provided career and life skills counseling, and career exploration

    • United States
    • Individual and Family Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Volunteer
      • May 2010 - May 2010

      Provided administrative and direct care duties for Hope Community Resources as a student volunteer. Hope Community Resources is dedicated to providing all types of services to Alaska residents with disabilities. Hope is the largest organization of its kind in Alaska. Provided administrative and direct care duties for Hope Community Resources as a student volunteer. Hope Community Resources is dedicated to providing all types of services to Alaska residents with disabilities. Hope is the largest organization of its kind in Alaska.

    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • SUCCESS Program Intern: Hoyt Middle School
      • Dec 2009 - May 2010

      Acted as undergraduate intern at Des Moines Public Schools, Hoyt Middle School. The internship involved a general job shadow, a personal caseload, research, and assistance in afterschool group facilitation. Acted as undergraduate intern at Des Moines Public Schools, Hoyt Middle School. The internship involved a general job shadow, a personal caseload, research, and assistance in afterschool group facilitation.

    • Official Conference Speaker
      • Apr 2010 - Apr 2010

      Selected to give professional 90 minute presentation regarding independent flood research conducted in previous year. Selected to give professional 90 minute presentation regarding independent flood research conducted in previous year.

    • Independent Student Researcher
      • Jun 2009 - Apr 2010

      Independent student research regarding the 2008 summer floods in Bremer County, Iowa. Research was selected to be presented at the annual National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter Symposium. Independent student research regarding the 2008 summer floods in Bremer County, Iowa. Research was selected to be presented at the annual National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter Symposium.

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Volunteer Coodinator
      • Sep 2009 - Dec 2009

      Assisted Waverly, IA MOPS Chapter in recruiting and training volunteers for weekly meetings. Assisted Waverly, IA MOPS Chapter in recruiting and training volunteers for weekly meetings.

    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 300 - 400 Employee
    • Marketing and Volunteer Organizer
      • Sep 2008 - Dec 2009

      Used and created marketing tools for the service trip program at Wartburg College, as well as coordinated several service trip events and assisted in fundraising/budget configurations.In addition, handled/created partnerships with community for support and facilitated service trip recruitment initiatives. Used and created marketing tools for the service trip program at Wartburg College, as well as coordinated several service trip events and assisted in fundraising/budget configurations.In addition, handled/created partnerships with community for support and facilitated service trip recruitment initiatives.

    • Wartburg College Student and Volunteer Abroad
      • May 2008 - May 2008

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Wartburg College Community Builder
      • Sep 2006 - May 2007

      As a Wartburg College Community Builder, which partners with AmeriCorps, individuals were to create their own service project to be led throughout the year. During my experience, I worked one-on-one with the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School Principal in creating a "character building" week for the students. This week long event took place at the end of the school year. As a Wartburg College Community Builder, which partners with AmeriCorps, individuals were to create their own service project to be led throughout the year. During my experience, I worked one-on-one with the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School Principal in creating a "character building" week for the students. This week long event took place at the end of the school year.

Education

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Master of Science (M.S.), Recreation, Sports and Tourism
    2012 - 2014
  • Wartburg College
    Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy, Minors in Psychology and Leadership
    2006 - 2010

Community

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