Brad Brunz

Took a planned career break to provide full-time care for my father during a period of significant illness. Managed medical coordination, appointments, and daily support needs. Now ready to return to professional work with renewed purpose, focus, and a deepened sense of resilience and empathy.

• Led the organization’s fundraising strategy across individual giving, major gifts, and special campaigns. Cultivated and managed donor relationships, secured significant funding from foundations and individuals, and oversaw the full donor lifecycle—from prospecting and solicitation to stewardship. Collaborated closely with leadership and the Board to align fundraising goals with mission priorities. Managed development staff, donor communications, events, and CRM systems to ensure fundraising success and donor retention.

• Called back to support the family business and led the successful reopening of the Paradise Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast after a 10-year closure. Transformed the property into a distinctive and enduring hospitality brand, increasing occupancy by 89% year-over-year and revitalizing its presence in the local market. Oversaw daily operations, guest services, marketing, and brand development.

• Taught at a therapeutic boarding school, delivering coursework in various subjects while serving as a mentor and role model to students. Provided individualized college counseling, guiding students through college research, application processes, and preparation for standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT.

• Oversaw all fundraising strategy and execution for a statewide health nonprofit serving approximately 60,000 Coloradans annually through 160+ community fairs. Managed grant writing, corporate giving campaigns, major donor cultivation, digital and mobile fundraising, Colorado Gives Day, the Colorado Tax Checkoff program, the annual report, and select corporate sponsorships.

• Taught part-time courses in American Government, Political Science, and History for approximately 14 years. Delivered both in-person and online instruction, engaging diverse student populations and supporting civic education across multiple locations.

• Raised major gifts to support global initiatives, including clean water access, malaria prevention, education, anti-trafficking programs, child labor prevention, and disaster relief. Exceeded fundraising goals and grew regional donor support significantly.

• Developed Connect for the Cause, an online grassroots mobilization system still in use today. Organized advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., facilitating meetings between credit union members and their U.S. Representatives from California and Nevada. Supported legislative engagement and built long-term advocacy infrastructure.

• Oversaw and executed political and legislative strategy across a four-state region. Partnered with state government affairs teams to oppose restrictive legislation and advocate for policies that supported US West’s business objectives. Led efforts to build legislative support and advance favorable bills.

• Bob Kerrey for US Senate Fundraising
• Ben Nelson for US Senate Fundraising