Brandon W. Stokes
Washington,USA
Summary
Transformational development executive with 17 years leading global fundraising engines across corporate partnerships, foundations, major donors, institutional giving, and campaigns. Proven record in building and scaling teams, launching new revenue lines, closing seven and eight-figure partnerships, and driving multi-year growth strategies aligned to advocacy, policy, healthcare, and systems-change outcomes. Trusted advisor to CEOs and boards; known for building disciplined pipelines, activating executive networks, and converting mission into compelling investment cases.
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President & Head of Development
Airlink
Washington, DC
09.2024 - Current
- Senior fundraising executive accountable for enterprise-wide revenue strategy, board engagement, and team performance.
- Serve as chief fundraising executive, leading organization-wide development strategy to achieve a $25M annual revenue target.
- Lead, coach, and scale the development team; established performance management, KPIs, forecasting, and revenue governance.
- Serve as chief liaison to the Board of Trustees and Development Committee, driving governance, accountability, and board activation for fundraising.
- Launched Airlink’s first Major Donor Program, targeting $3M in Year one with defined donor journeys, stewardship, and upgrade paths.
- Led 15th Anniversary Campaign, securing $17M+ in corporate and foundation commitments.
- Expanded corporate, individual, and major donor portfolio by 25%, generating $8M+ in new revenue.
- Built and executed a donor expansion and global growth strategy aligned to programmatic priorities and regional expansion.
- Cultivate foundation and government agency relationships; partner with executive leadership to identify, position, and pursue new institutional funding opportunities.
- Built and mentored a high-performing team of five, fostering ownership, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across multiple departments.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs to elevate staff performance and engagement levels.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth, significantly influencing revenue strategy development.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maximizing resource allocation.
- Spearheaded cross-functional projects that improved customer satisfaction through innovative service solutions.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across the organization.
- Delivered strong financial performance despite challenging economic conditions by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of business operations.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
Head of Enterprise Partnerships
Americares Foundation, Inc.
Stamford, CT
04.2022 - 09.2024
- Executive leader responsible for enterprise partnerships strategy within a $60M+ development operation.
- Led enterprise partnerships strategy supporting a $22M corporate fundraising goal
- Launched a new Sports & Entertainment revenue portfolio, opening a new growth channel.
- Led the team into new revenue streams and innovative partnership models.
- Served on the Extended Leadership Team, advising on cross-organization growth strategy.
- Developed high-impact proposals, sales packages, and revenue funnels in partnership with programs
- marketing/communications,finance, legal, and technical teams.
- Partnered with top healthcare and pharmaceutical companies on large scale multi-year funding programs
- Secured six to eight figure level partnerships
Chief Development Officer
America250 Foundation
Alexandria, VA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Chief fundraiser for the national, multi-year commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
- Led a comprehensive fundraising campaign with a $250M revenue target, building the full development strategy and case for support.
- Built a diversified pipeline across corporate, major donors, individuals, grassroots, peer-to-peer, and crypto-based giving.
- Partnered with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission on development planning, national events, and fundraising strategy.
- Launched Corporate Leadership Council and giving societies (Women in Philanthropy, Family-Owned Brands, Veterans & Military).
- Built joint partnerships with key national institutions and associations, including The White House, Smithsonian Institution, MLB, NBA, and NFL.
- Oversaw development budgets, revenue forecasting, and campaign governance.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance fundraising initiatives and increase donor engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement community outreach programs, driving awareness of national initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive donor profiles using CRM software to track interactions, preferences, and giving history for targeted relationship building.
- Diversified revenue streams by exploring alternative funding sources such as earned income opportunities or social enterprises.
- Strengthened fundraising efforts by developing and executing comprehensive annual development plans.
- Secured major gifts for organizational growth through effective identification, cultivation, and solicitation of high-net-worth individuals.
- Expanded donor base by implementing targeted outreach strategies and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Enhanced donor stewardship by creating personalized communication materials and organizing exclusive events.
Vice President, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
Tysons, VA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Executive lead for corporate and foundation partnerships across sponsorships, cause marketing, CSR, co-ventures, employee engagement, licensing, digital campaigns, and events.
- Built a national revenue pipeline of $5–7M annually and $25–30M over three years.
- Launched FARE Corporate Alliance Program, creating a scalable framework for corporate cultivation and stewardship.
- Secured $3M in new corporate support in year-end 2021 alone.
- Led a 10th Anniversary campaign targeting $10M.
- Built and managed a national team of 7–9 staff to expand the footprint and revenue.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance food allergy awareness and education across diverse communities.
- Directed cross-functional teams to develop and implement research programs focused on food allergy management.
- Fostered partnerships with healthcare professionals and organizations for resource development and outreach efforts.
- Oversaw budget planning and allocation for multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Advocated for policy changes at local and national levels to improve food allergy regulations and safety standards.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
Senior Director, Global Foundation Engagement & Development
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / ALSAC
Washington, DC
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led global foundation engagement strategy across 9 regions and 30 countries; managed 80+ global partners.
- Built and led a global team of 13–15 professionals supporting international fundraising growth.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance fundraising efforts and donor engagement across multiple platforms.
- Developed and implemented innovative marketing strategies to increase awareness of pediatric research advancements.
- Fostered cross-departmental collaboration to streamline operations and improve project delivery timelines.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing partnerships that support organizational mission and goals.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Served on St. Jude’s Extended Leadership Team for global strategy and cross-functional collaboration.
- Led partnerships with the World Health Organization and Ministries of Health to advance sustainable funding and systems change.
- Built international fundraising strategy and foundation growth models to expand global revenue and brand presence.
Global Director, Corporate Relations & Strategic Partnerships
United Way Worldwide
Alexandria, VA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led global corporate partnerships across 40+ countries; managed a $1B global corporate leadership portfolio.
- Supported a network generating $5.2B annually in revenue.
- Built a new investor relations strategy and global partnership growth model.
- Secured 8–12 new global corporate partners; expanded into new industries and markets (FinTech, Hospitality, Brand Partnerships).
- Served as new business development lead and generated $23M from 10 new partnerships.
- Led C-suite engagement with Fortune 100–1000 companies.
- Led global initiatives to enhance community impact through strategic partnerships and increased funding opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive programs addressing critical social issues, aligning with organizational mission and goals.
- Developed innovative marketing campaigns for global audiences, increasing brand awareness and customer acquisition rates.
- Oversaw global product development and partner relationships, enabling footprint expansion into new markets.
- Developed comprehensive business strategies for international expansion, resulting in significant growth in market share.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, positively impacting community relations while bolstering the company''s reputation as an ethical leader.
- Oversaw the successful launch of multiple products in international markets, driving revenue growth and brand recognition.
- Established strategic partnerships with key industry players, fostering collaboration and mutual benefits.
National Corporate Partnerships & Major Gifts
American Red Cross
Charlotte, NC
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Secured multi-year six- and seven-figure partnerships with Fortune 1000 corporations.
- Managed 500+ partner portfolio; supported $15M+ national fundraising annually.
- Added $5M in new pipeline toward a $10M growth target.
- Led cause marketing, co-venture campaigns, and employee giving programs.
- Led new business development efforts and securing new individual donors and corporate partnerships
- Led cause marketing, co-venture campaigns, and employee giving programs.
Senior Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships
Saint Augustine’s University
Raleigh, NC
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led major gifts strategy and served as chief development officer for a $25M capital campaign.
- Secured gifts of $50K+, conducting 100–150 donor visits annually, and closing national corporate partnerships.
- Launched a new major donors program starting at $25K.
- Directed strategic initiatives aligning with university goals and advancing academic excellence.
- Oversaw budget allocation, ensuring optimal resource utilization across departments.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
Senior District Executive Director
Boy Scouts of America (Occoneechee Council)
Raleigh, NC
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Oversaw regional operations and fundraising for a $5M annual operating goal.
- Managed 750+ corporate partnerships and led 20+ annual fundraising events.
- Delivered executive-level fundraising presentations and board reporting.
- Led a team of 5 professionals to secure $7M.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance program delivery and community engagement.
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to increase membership and volunteer recruitment.
- Mentored staff and volunteers, cultivating leadership skills within the council.
- Managed budgetary allocations, ensuring financial sustainability of council operations.
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for district initiatives.
- Implemented strategic plans for improved district-wide performance and growth.
- Championed diversity initiatives, cultivating an inclusive environment that values all perspectives and backgrounds.
Education
Jack Welch Executive MBA - Public Administration
Strayer University
Washington DC B.S. - Human Performance & Wellness
Saint Augustine’s University
RaleighSkills
- Salesforce, Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, Neon, Coastal Cloud, Microsoft Office
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Complex Problem-solving
- Results-driven
- Sales and marketing leadership
- Business storytelling
- Lead generation
- Revenue cycle management
Affiliations
- Advisory Board Member, Strayer University
- Board Member, Howard University Charter School
- Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals
- National MBA Association
Timeline
Vice President & Head of Development
Airlink
09.2024 - Current
Head of Enterprise Partnerships
Americares Foundation, Inc.
04.2022 - 09.2024
Chief Development Officer
America250 Foundation
01.2022 - 01.2023
Vice President, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Director, Global Foundation Engagement & Development
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / ALSAC
01.2020 - 01.2021
Global Director, Corporate Relations & Strategic Partnerships
United Way Worldwide
01.2017 - 01.2020
National Corporate Partnerships & Major Gifts
American Red Cross
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships
Saint Augustine’s University
01.2013 - 01.2014
Senior District Executive Director
Boy Scouts of America (Occoneechee Council)
01.2008 - 01.2013
Jack Welch Executive MBA - Public Administration
Strayer University
B.S. - Human Performance & Wellness
Saint Augustine’s University