Randy Widera
Director Of Philanthropy at California State Parks Foundation- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Aaron Rich
Randy led an inspirational and thought provoking workshop for the sales and marketing team at NatureBridge. He did a great job connecting with our staff and really speaking to how the sales and marketing functions support our mission. Our staff left the day empowered with new strategies and reinvigorated to do the important work they do to support our organization. Randy has a deep understanding of education and nonprofits which is rooted in his own experience. He took time to listen and understand our needs and developed a workshop which met all of our goals.
Michele Luna
Randy and I have worked together as board members of the California League of Park Associations. Most recently, Randy has worked with Stewards as a consultant helping us with our Operating Agreement and Concession Contract to keep parks open. Randy is a talented consultant who has developed professional business plans and useful fundraising tracking systems. His experience with a very successful Cooperating Association is very helpful in the consulting work he is doing now with other Cooperating Associations. Besides his business related skills, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful fun-loving personality. You can tell he truly enjoys the work he is doing.
Aaron Rich
Randy led an inspirational and thought provoking workshop for the sales and marketing team at NatureBridge. He did a great job connecting with our staff and really speaking to how the sales and marketing functions support our mission. Our staff left the day empowered with new strategies and reinvigorated to do the important work they do to support our organization. Randy has a deep understanding of education and nonprofits which is rooted in his own experience. He took time to listen and understand our needs and developed a workshop which met all of our goals.
Michele Luna
Randy and I have worked together as board members of the California League of Park Associations. Most recently, Randy has worked with Stewards as a consultant helping us with our Operating Agreement and Concession Contract to keep parks open. Randy is a talented consultant who has developed professional business plans and useful fundraising tracking systems. His experience with a very successful Cooperating Association is very helpful in the consulting work he is doing now with other Cooperating Associations. Besides his business related skills, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful fun-loving personality. You can tell he truly enjoys the work he is doing.
Aaron Rich
Randy led an inspirational and thought provoking workshop for the sales and marketing team at NatureBridge. He did a great job connecting with our staff and really speaking to how the sales and marketing functions support our mission. Our staff left the day empowered with new strategies and reinvigorated to do the important work they do to support our organization. Randy has a deep understanding of education and nonprofits which is rooted in his own experience. He took time to listen and understand our needs and developed a workshop which met all of our goals.
Michele Luna
Randy and I have worked together as board members of the California League of Park Associations. Most recently, Randy has worked with Stewards as a consultant helping us with our Operating Agreement and Concession Contract to keep parks open. Randy is a talented consultant who has developed professional business plans and useful fundraising tracking systems. His experience with a very successful Cooperating Association is very helpful in the consulting work he is doing now with other Cooperating Associations. Besides his business related skills, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful fun-loving personality. You can tell he truly enjoys the work he is doing.
Aaron Rich
Randy led an inspirational and thought provoking workshop for the sales and marketing team at NatureBridge. He did a great job connecting with our staff and really speaking to how the sales and marketing functions support our mission. Our staff left the day empowered with new strategies and reinvigorated to do the important work they do to support our organization. Randy has a deep understanding of education and nonprofits which is rooted in his own experience. He took time to listen and understand our needs and developed a workshop which met all of our goals.
Michele Luna
Randy and I have worked together as board members of the California League of Park Associations. Most recently, Randy has worked with Stewards as a consultant helping us with our Operating Agreement and Concession Contract to keep parks open. Randy is a talented consultant who has developed professional business plans and useful fundraising tracking systems. His experience with a very successful Cooperating Association is very helpful in the consulting work he is doing now with other Cooperating Associations. Besides his business related skills, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful fun-loving personality. You can tell he truly enjoys the work he is doing.
Credentials
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Certified Fundraising Counsel
California Attorney GeneralJan, 2013- Sep, 2024
Experience
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California State Parks Foundation
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United States
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Environmental Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director Of Philanthropy
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Apr 2019 - Present
As the Director of Philanthropy, I oversee the development department, grants & endowments, partnerships program (our work with other local, regional, and statewide nonprofits), and state park project partnerships such as Yosemite Slough Living Shoreline and Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration. As the Director of Philanthropy, I oversee the development department, grants & endowments, partnerships program (our work with other local, regional, and statewide nonprofits), and state park project partnerships such as Yosemite Slough Living Shoreline and Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration.
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California State Parks
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United States
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Government Administration
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700 & Above Employee
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Docent - Volunteer
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Mar 1990 - Present
I help out with natural and cultural history hikes and programs, habitat restoration projects, Band Member 5-Ms (Mostly Mediocre Musical Monarch Mariposas band), and helping with whenever I am called upon to do. I help out with natural and cultural history hikes and programs, habitat restoration projects, Band Member 5-Ms (Mostly Mediocre Musical Monarch Mariposas band), and helping with whenever I am called upon to do.
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BlueOakNonprofits
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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Principal
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2010 - Apr 2019
Blue Oak Consulting has specialized in supporting over 40 organizations and institutions through strategic fundraising campaigns, program development, building organizational capacity and effective business planning. Client objectives reached by applying a broad knowledge base of non-profit business, operations, program and fundraising principles to an organization's core mission and values, generating effective plans and campaigns that are actionable and achieve results. Recent projects completed: • Vida Verde Nature Education - $6.6m Capital Campaign • Mountain Parks Foundation - $1.2m Museum Renovation Campaign • Save the Redwood League – Evaluation and Recommendations of Education, Interpretations and Outreach Programs for the League’s Centennial Vision. • Peninsula Open Space Trust – Project Scope and Pathway to Completion, for the Pigeon Point Light Station restoration.
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Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Executive Director
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Jun 1999 - Sep 2010
Established Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks as a leader in the State of California in program excellence, outstanding fundraising and synergetic partnering with California State Parks. Managed a staff of 70. Increased organizational annual budget from $500,000 to over $3 million through expanding and diversifying; earned income, and retail revenue streams. Generated over $10m for program throughout my tenure. Funded annual program growth to serve over 400,000 individuals annually supporting 450 volunteers and 14 permanent and seasonal state park interpreters. Developed and launched nationally recognized “That’s My Park” campaign.
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Web of Life Field (WOLF) School
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United States
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Education Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder, Director
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1989 - 1999
Founded the innovative California Residential Outdoor Science School, Web Of Life Field (WOLF) School. WOLF School provides outdoor and science education experiences that give students the opportunity to gain knowledge, awareness and respect of their environment, their community and themselves, creating life-long learners and global stewards. Grew annual enrollment to 4,500 students through building a reputation for high quality science education and leadership development. Managed 20 educators and staff.
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Santa Cruz County Office of Education
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United States
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Education Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Environmental and Outdoor Educator
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Jul 1987 - Jun 1990
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Ranger Explorer Director (Environmental Day Camp)
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May 1987 - Sep 1989
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San Joaquin County Office of Education
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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700 & Above Employee
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Environmental and Outdoor Educator
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May 1986 - Jun 1987
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Education
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1984 - 1987
UC San Diego
BS, Biology -
1982 - 1984
Menlo College
AA, Liberal Arts
Community
