Senior Director of Development - Unit Lead

• Aug 2023 - Present

Board Member

• Jan 2023 - Present

Director Of Development

• Aug 2017 - Aug 2023

I am currently responsible for annual fundraising of $2.3M, in addition to a capital campaign with a goal of $11M, in a (quasi) post-Covid environment, which has surpassed $14M. I collaborate with colleagues from curatorial, marketing, education, finance, installations, and facilities. I oversee a team that includes membership and member groups; database management; grant-writing; and special events. My primary focus is cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with donors while sharing the impact of the Art Center with the community. Most importantly, I am committed to helping the museum focus on our DEI goals - initiatives we've been working on since 2017. As a member of the senior leadership team, I've been involved in creating our revised mission and diversity statements, as well as our current strategic plan which ends in 2023. Mission: Through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programming, the Des Moines Art Center provides opportunities for transformational art experiences. Diversity Statement: Every voice belongs in contemporary art. The Des Moines Art Center commits to value and represent the unique experiences and perspectives of every visitor and staff member. Working toward equity and inclusivity with the museum, school, and community strengthens our ability to create better, together. I am most proud of organization's belief that the power of art can inspire personal, political and social transformation. I see this every day I walk through our galleries, attend one of our many free community education events, or see students attending classes and tours at either the museum or sculpture park. The arts are an essential component to any thriving community. Assisting donors reach their philanthropic goals while further advancing the mission of the Art Center is an incredible honor. I get to witness the impact of my community's generosity on the cultural fabric of my hometown. Learn more at desmoinesartcenter.org Show less

Major Gifts Officer

• Jan 2016 - Aug 2017

As the Major Gifts Officer, I was directly responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a portfolio of prospective and current donors. Additionally, I worked closely with Executive Director and Board of Trustees to connect IPR listeners to meaningful opportunities upon which they could choose to invest during their lifetime, as well as enhancing IPR's planned giving society. I collaborated with the organization's underwriting and membership team as well - and participated in on-air fund drives. Iowa Public Radio was created in 2004 by the Iowa Board of Regents to manage the radio groups of Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa. This statewide public radio network (a total of 24 stations) now serves 220,000 listeners with three programming streams: News, News/Studio One and Classical. IPR’s combined radio groups serve rural and urban Iowa, touching all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Iowa State University and University of Iowa each have public radio stations that are nearly a century old, with FCC licenses that were among the first 100 radio licenses ever granted, and our statewide network is one that other states look to as a model. This century of service to and for Iowans is the foundation for our future. Iowa Public Radio informs, enriches and engages Iowans through high quality news and cultural programming. Show less

Annual Fund Manager

• Nov 2011 - Dec 2015

I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Annual Fund, which generated $2.2 million on my arrival, to $2.75 million annually at the time of my departure, to support the performance series, education programs and operations of Des Moines Performing Arts. The Annual Fund was comprised of individual donors, government and foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships. I hosted donor events (dinners, receptions, etc.) and annual donor trips to New York City. In addition to setting development strategies, and leading within the fundraising team, I worked closely with the marketing, ticket office and administrative departments, as well as the DMPA board, to ensure successful fundraising campaigns. Des Moines Performing Arts lives its mission of engaging the Midwest in world-class entertainment, education and cultural activities while striving toward its vision of being a national leader in the presentation of the performing arts. As the home of seven resident performance series, Des Moines Performing Arts imparts a significant cultural and economic impact throughout Greater Des Moines and central Iowa, drawing an annual average audience of more than 315,000. Show less

Director of Development and Donor Relations

• Oct 2006 - Nov 2011

I worked closely with donors to maximize their personal goals while ensuring that their support is a good fit for the organization. Experienced grant writer with family foundations, corporations and individual donations. Was an active part of the leadership team, and focused on ensuring brand recognition and organization visibility increased throughout the state. Children's Cancer Connection enhances the quality of life for children and families affected by childhood cancer by providing programs for education, recreation and support. Show less

Sports Marketing Manager - Greater Des Moines Sports Commission

• Jul 2000 - 2006

Researched and recruited regional and national sporting events to come to greater Des Moines. Worked with the Local Organizing Committee to secure sponsorships and provide superior event execution. Worked with various municipalities, hotels and sports venues to provide maximum economic impact for the area. Researched and recruited regional and national sporting events to come to greater Des Moines. Worked with the Local Organizing Committee to secure sponsorships and provide superior event execution. Worked with various municipalities, hotels and sports venues to provide maximum economic impact for the area.

Purchasing and Product Development

• Feb 1998 - Jun 2000

Researched, planned and purchased incentive based travel programs for Fortune 500 companies. Researched, planned and purchased incentive based travel programs for Fortune 500 companies.