Catharine Rinehart

Summary:

• Co-Founder and Director of Business Development for an independent Optical Lab startup, responsible for leading all aspects of business operations including sales, training, and strategic growth.

Accomplishments:

• Initiated targeted inside sales programs that secured private-pay business at national accounts, resulting in double-digit monthly sales growth during the first nine months.
• Exceeded sales projections and improved gross margins year over year through strategic pricing, vendor negotiations, and operational efficiencies.
• Planned and executed semi-annual product training at a managed care company’s corporate headquarters for over 120 customer service representatives, and coordinated three 2-day, hands-on training sessions for field service technicians.
• Developed and delivered CE-accredited courses approved by the Nevada State Board, offering lab-based training to more than 200 opticians and technicians.
• Led new product launches, implemented comprehensive staff training programs, and introduced client education initiatives that enhanced customer retention and strengthened market positioning.

Summary:

• Developed and led fundraising strategies at the Arthritis Foundation with oversight of major events (Jingle Bell Run, Walk to Cure Arthritis, Terry Fator- Voices for a Cure, annual gala), annual giving, and corporate/philanthropic partnerships. • Generated $300,000+ annually through flagship events — including Voices for a Cure with Star Terry Fator

Accomplishments:

• Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run — consistently surpassing targets ($200K–$400K required for 2–3 events)Accomplishments:
• Increased annual giving by 25%, raising $250K via multi-channel donor campaigns (email, direct mail, social media), tied to mission-driven messaging.
• Cultivated and stewarded a volunteer pipeline of 50+ leaders, fueling event reach and donor engagement, while also boosting volunteer retention
• Secured major corporate sponsorships, bringing in five key partners contributing $100K+ in matched and unrestricted gifts.
• Implemented a donor relations system (Arthritis Warriors) improving donor segmentation and stewardship—leading to a 15% increase in major gift solicitations.
• Strategies included strategic planning & annual campaigns, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, data-driven pipeline development, and volunteer management.

Summary:

Oversaw Blood Bank Development, donor acquisition and strategic volunteer and professional partnerships.

Accomplishments:

• Expanded Donation Capacity via mobile and fixed collections sites by 40%
• Built partnerships with local businesses and corporations
• Used CRM to direct donor recruitment and outreach
• Coordinated with clinical teams to meet regional hospital needs