Cheryl A. Simon
Detroit,MI
Summary
Accomplished, mission driven professional with over 35 years of success in the nonprofit sector. Key strengths include ability to think strategically, work with a diverse group of people, lead by example and operate as a team player. Possesses a broad range of skills and experience in strategic planning, community outreach, fundraising, program development and marketing gained through staff, consultant and volunteer experiences. Personally energetic, positive and focused.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Consultant
Envision Detroit
01.2007 - Current
- Sole proprietor of consulting practice working with non-profit clients on projects including campaign planning, corporate, foundation and government grant writing and reporting, major giving strategy development and implementation and board development
- Clients have included The Children's Center, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), Ecoworks, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, St. Christine Soup Kitchen and Pantry and Southfield Public Schools
Chief Philanthropy Officer
The Children’s Center
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Served as a member of the executive leadership team of the agency, led a team of ten responsible for private sector fundraising and volunteer engagement including annual fund, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and events
- Primary liaison to the Board of Directors on philanthropy, providing strategy and coaching on fundraising and volunteer engagement
- Met fundraising and volunteer engagement goals for FY 21/22 and FY 22/23
Director, Donor Relations
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Led the donor relations team for the organization which includes 4 major gift officers and 2 support staff with responsibilities that include the organization’s major and planned giving program as well as donor and affinity groups
- Launched and implemented the Veritus Major Gifts model in 2016
- Responsible for leading the solicitation, recognition and stewardship of members of the Alexis de Tocqueville (ADT) Society, United Way’s annual membership society for donors making gifts of $10,000+
- Led a team of high-level volunteers in the expansion of the Society from 320 members in 2014 to 525 members and $6.2 million in revenue in 2018
- Initiated new donor stewardship strategies including a member newsletter and volunteer opportunities
Coordinator
Detroit Food Policy Council
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Responsible for leadership and management of a newly formed community-led organization focused on food justice, food access and food sovereignty
- Duties included securing start-up funding, successfully applying for 501(c)3 status, setting up organization structure, systems and processes, hiring and managing staff, developing budgets, communications and fundraising plans
- In partnership with the Council Board and community members, researched and published the first Annual Report on the Detroit Food System and coordinated annual Powering Up the Local Food System Summits
Senior Director of Development and Membership
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Responsible for managing all public and private sector fundraising for the organization, including the $140 million East RiverWalk campaign, federal, state and local government affairs and membership programs
- Led the organization’s effort to secure federal appropriations in partnership with a Washington, DC-based lobbyist
- Raised $11 million in new gifts in two years, including its largest corporate and individual gifts to date
- Launched the organization’s membership program and major gifts phase of the campaign
Director of Development
Focus: HOPE
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Led and managed all private sector fundraising for the organization including a six-member development team
- Established Board Development Committee and Advisory Board
- Completed five-year fundraising campaign in 2003, exceeding goal by 10%
- Raised $11.4 million in private support in FY 04 and $12.6 million in FY 05, meeting or exceeding goals
- Planned and implemented strategic fundraising programs including scholarship fund, major gift recognition program and planned giving program
- Worked in collaboration with the institution’s government and public affairs department on federal, state and local grant procurement and appropriations
Development Officer
Focus: HOPE
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Responsible for working with the volunteer campaign committee of top corporate, foundation and community leaders to complete the final two years of a $75 million fundraising campaign
- Worked with volunteer leadership, executive management and staff to cultivate and solicit five-, six- and seven-figure gifts and pledges from corporate, foundation and individual donors
Development Director
St. Alphonsus Parish
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led the establishment of parish and school wide strategic planning and development initiatives
- Coordinated activities of parish, grade school, high school, alumni association and athletics boosters club to raise annual operating and capital improvement funds
Associate Consultant
DEX Design Associates
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Working as a member of a collaborative team of consultants, designed and implemented customized client services including strategic planning, program and fund development to a variety of community, faith based and neighborhood organizations
Director of Development
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP)
01.1991 - 01.1999
- Responsible for all aspects of private and public sector fund raising as well as public relations and marketing
- Accomplishments include doubling the annual fund, creating an individual giving program, developing five-year strategic plan for the organization, and conducting the agency’s first and successful $7 million fundraising campaign
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01.1991
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01.1986
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01.1986
Skills
- Fundraising strategy development and execution
- Major gifts
- Strategic planning
- Organizational development
- Board, staff and volunteer relationship building
- Capital campaigns
- Corporate and foundation relations
Mission and Values
To contribute to the quality of life for ALL residents of the City of Detroit in ways that promote social, economic and racial justice.
Professional Associations and Community Service
- Member and Volunteer, Showing Up for Racial Justice- Metro Detroit Chapter, 01/01/16 to Present
- Volunteer, University of Detroit Jesuit High School, 01/01/14 to 12/31/18
- Volunteer, Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, 01/01/11 to Present
- Volunteer, St. Christine Soup Kitchen and Pantry, 01/01/10 to 12/31/2019
- Member, Detroit Agriculture Network and Garden Resource Program, 01/01/05 to Present
- Teacher, Liturgy of the Word for Children, Christ the King Church, Detroit, MI, 01/01/95 to 12/31/2019
- Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), 01/01/89 to Present
Timeline
Chief Philanthropy Officer
The Children’s Center
01.2021 - 01.2024
Director, Donor Relations
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
01.2014 - 01.2021
Coordinator
Detroit Food Policy Council
01.2011 - 01.2014
Independent Consultant
Envision Detroit
01.2007 - Current
Senior Director of Development and Membership
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy
01.2006 - 01.2007
Director of Development
Focus: HOPE
01.2001 - 01.2005
Development Officer
Focus: HOPE
01.2001 - 01.2002
Development Director
St. Alphonsus Parish
01.1999 - 01.2001
Associate Consultant
DEX Design Associates
01.1999 - 01.2001
Director of Development
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP)
01.1991 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Western Michigan University
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Wayne State University
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