Ashley Russell
Columbus
Summary
Innovative Donor Experience Professional with proven expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and event planning. Committed to enhancing donor relationships through tailored experiences and impactful stewardship initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Donor Experience Consultant
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus
08.2022 - Current
- Direct enterprise-level stewardship and engagement strategy for Principal Gift ($5M+) donors across Wexner Medical Center, OSUCCC–James, and the College of Medicine, fostering enduring philanthropic relationships through personalized experiences and communications.
- Lead a high-performing team managing Major Gift ($1M+), endowed faculty positions, and planned-giving stewardship, delivering meaningful recognition that reflects institutional values and donor intent.
- Design and implement bespoke donor experiences including signature recognition events and named-space dedications celebrating generosity and advancing a culture of gratitude.
- Advised senior advancement leadership on donor engagement opportunities with CEOs of Wexner Medical Center and OSUCCC–James, and Dean of College of Medicine, aligning philanthropy with organizational vision and priorities.
Donor Experience Manager
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus
11.2019 - 07.2022
- Developed and evaluated donor relations programs and projects, including acknowledgements, impact reporting, communications, and events that inspired and retained nearly 250 major and principal-gift donors for Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.
- Managed logistics and executed in-person and virtual donor events of various scopes while developing and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess event engagement and drive process improvement.
- Implemented and oversaw the first student-support fund management process at the College of Medicine in partnership with advancement services, fiscal officers, student financial aid and medical center department leaders to ensure fiscal responsibility and meaningful stewardship of the fund’s donors.
- Collaborated with colleagues across Ohio State to deliver communication strategies celebrating philanthropic support internally and externally, fostering a culture of philanthropy through social media and publications.
Education Program Coordinator
Kappa Kappa Gama
Dublin
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Coordinated development, implementation, and evaluation of 170+ instructor-led educational events, managing communication strategies across digital and social media platforms.
- Provided training to alumni volunteers, program facilitators, leaders, and staff, overseeing more than 100 alumni volunteers in training, planning, and logistics to deliver educational programs across the United States and Canada.
- Developed grant proposals for the foundation to fund educational programs that brought in $250,000 each fiscal year.
- Developed and executed individual stewardship plans for major foundation donors, enhancing support for educational programs.
Leadership Development Coordinator
Pi Beta Phi
Atlanta
06.2017 - 05.2018
- Developed leadership training programs for undergraduate members.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance member engagement and collaboration.
- Coordinated events promoting personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Delivered community-focused educational programs during $28M fundraising campaign, enhancing volunteer engagement and securing donor support.
- Coordinated logistics and communications for donor-sponsored events, demonstrating contributions' measurable impacts.
Coordinator of Sorority and Fraternity Life
The Ohio State University
Columbus
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Designed and implemented community-wide programs and events with student leaders and alumni, fostering connection and shared purpose among 5,000 sorority and fraternity members.
- Coordinated campus events and activities to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Organized and delivered training sessions for alumni volunteers to improve support for collegiate members in leadership development and community service initiatives.
- Developed and maintained schedules to ensure efficient use of university resources.
- Assisted in managing communication between departments to streamline operations.
Education
Master of Science - Public Administration - Non Profit Management
Ohio University
Athens, OH08-2022
Bachelor of Science - Education
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH05-2016
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Donor relations
- Donor engagement
- Impact reporting
- Event planning
- Relationship building
Timeline
Donor Experience Consultant
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
08.2022 - Current
Donor Experience Manager
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
11.2019 - 07.2022
Education Program Coordinator
Kappa Kappa Gama
07.2018 - 11.2019
Leadership Development Coordinator
Pi Beta Phi
06.2017 - 05.2018
Coordinator of Sorority and Fraternity Life
The Ohio State University
06.2016 - 06.2017
Master of Science - Public Administration - Non Profit Management
Ohio University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Bowling Green State University