Dynamic fundraising executive with a proven track record, driving a 60% increase in contributions. Expert in strategic planning and team leadership, I excel in developing impactful fundraising events, annual giving campaigns, and effective donor engagement. I utilize more than a decade of top-market television news anchor/reporter experience to increase media coverage to enhance organizational visibility.
Hi, I’m
Dr. Regina Ruiz
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
Overview
23
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
St. Vincent's
Chief Development Officer
05.2019 - 09.2024
Job overview
- Led the organization to a 60% increase in fundraising contributions exceeding $5 Million+ annually, utilizing the grateful patient model to expand donor base and donation amounts.
- Served in an executive leadership role supervising multiple departments and committees. Leadership included board meeting participation and strategic planning.
- Elevated annual fundraising events to double attendance and contributions including a Luncheon & Silent Auction at the Rosewood Miramar and a Charity Golf Tournament at the Montecito Club.
- Developed and implemented legacy giving strategy, annual giving campaigns, and solicited major gifts ranging from $25K to $1M+.
- Created storytelling promotional videos, digital media, and print collateral to compel new and lapsed donors to contribute.
- Garnered 85% increase in media coverage of fundraising events, programs, and giving opportunities.
- Managed multi-million dollar budget, including keeping fundraising cost per dollar raised to less than $0.15
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute
Marketing and Communications Manager
07.2016 - 03.2018
Job overview
- Interviewed patients and doctors to produce video and print stories expanding the grateful patient fundraising program.
- Created donor collateral marketing annual Taste of the Vine fundraising event, increasing attendance and donations by 25%.
- Produced donor cultivation videos highlighting in-house clinical trials with doctor and patient interviews.
- Tracked all donor interactions through CRM system, ensuring accurate reporting and stewardship.
Youth CineMedia
Co-Director
09.2008 - 12.2011
Job overview
- Cultivated major donors, fundraising campaign development, and fundraising events management.
- Managed annual fund and mid-level giving programs.
- Taught broadcast journalism and media production to at-risk youth.
- Developed all communications and outreach to garner media coverage.
- Wrote grants and appeal letters to secure funding for the nonprofit.
Joyful Media
Chief Executive Officer
05.2015 - Current
Job overview
- Deploy well-coordinated campaigns, events, and public relations strategies.
- Create industry level high impact digital media content.
- Increase revenues and supported business goals by developing public relations strategies and campaigns.
- Spearhead successful branding initiatives, sales strategies, and public relations approaches to enhance marketing campaign deployment.
- Support development staff in fundraising and advancement program development and implementation.
City of Santa Fe
Communications Director
07.2024 - 12.2025
Job overview
- Spearhead communication efforts for the city’s executive leadership team, including the Mayor’s office, Police, and Fire Departments to enhance public relations and transparency.
- Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies for policy initiatives, major city events, and crisis communications in emergencies and disasters.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the city, conducting media interviews, managing press conferences, and maintaining strong relationships with local news outlets.
- Develop and disseminate press releases, speeches, presentations, community engagement events, and executive communications on behalf of the Mayor and city officials.
Women's Economic Ventures
Director of Communications
03.2018 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Donor campaign development and execution.
- Implemented planned giving components into major donor conversations to build long-term giving pipelines.
- Led strategic direction for all communications to enhance brand awareness and outreach.
- Produced high-quality, industry-level video content using Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, leveraging a background in broadcast journalism.
- Secured media coverage and built relationships with national and local media to boost visibility.
NBC-7
News Reporter
09.2015 - 07.2016
Job overview
- Conducted live interviews with public officials, experts, and community members, translating complex issues into clear, concise narratives.
- Developed story ideas, conducted in-depth research, and executed field reporting under tight deadlines.
- Contributed to high-impact stories that received national and regional recognition.
- Emceed charity fundraising events.
KOAT-TV
News Anchor and Investigative Reporter
01.2012 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Anchored and reported on daily newscasts, producing original content that adhered to journalistic standards.
- Led investigative news stories, uncovering critical information that prompted public discussion and policy change.
- Developed strong sources, built relationships with key stakeholders, and gained trust within the community.
- Emceed fundraising galas and events.
KTNV-TV
News Reporter
01.2008 - 08.2008
Job overview
- Wrote, produced, and presented live news reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and clarity.
- Produced compelling video content, adhering to tight deadlines and journalistic ethics.
- Ensured stories were delivered in an engaging, balanced, and clear manner.
- Emceed charity events and galas.
KEYT
News Reporter
01.2006 - 01.2008
Job overview
- Lead on-air live coverage for local and national news stories, ensuring accurate reporting.
- Write and edit scripts for daily newscasts and breaking news segments.
- Coordinate with camera crew and editors to produce high-quality video content.
- Emceed charity events and galas.
WWNY-TV7
News Anchor/Reporter
09.2003 - 01.2006
Job overview
- Anchor daily morning and evening broadcasts, providing accurate and timely information.
- Conduct live interviews with experts, community members, and officials, maintaining a professional and engaging tone.
- Write and edit scripts for on-air delivery, maintaining clarity, accuracy, and brevity.
- Emceed fundraising events.
Education
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA
Doctor of Education from Organizational Leadership
12.2021
University Overview
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY
Master of Science from Broadcast Journalism
05.2004
University Overview
University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM
Bachelor of Arts from Communications And Journalism
05.2003
University Overview
Skills
- Bilingual
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - Certification 2026 completion
- Leadership, strategic planning, and team building
- Fundraising event production & donor cultivation
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Annual giving campaign development
- Advancing planned giving programs: bequests & trusts
- High-end donor portfolio management
- Donor management (CRM) software
- Planned giving software
- Social media utilization for fundraising
Certification
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - Certification in progress, 2026 completion.
- Board Leadership Institute Certification - Santa Barbara County
The Center for Nonprofit Leadership – California Lutheran University
Timeline
Communications Director
City of Santa Fe
07.2024 - 12.2025
Chief Development Officer
St. Vincent's
05.2019 - 09.2024
Director of Communications
Women's Economic Ventures
03.2018 - 02.2019
Marketing and Communications Manager
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute
07.2016 - 03.2018
News Reporter
NBC-7
09.2015 - 07.2016
Chief Executive Officer
Joyful Media
05.2015 - Current
News Anchor and Investigative Reporter
KOAT-TV
01.2012 - 01.2015
Co-Director
Youth CineMedia
09.2008 - 12.2011
News Reporter
KTNV-TV
01.2008 - 08.2008
News Reporter
KEYT
01.2006 - 01.2008
News Anchor/Reporter
WWNY-TV7
09.2003 - 01.2006
University of Southern California
Doctor of Education from Organizational Leadership
Syracuse University
Master of Science from Broadcast Journalism
University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Arts from Communications And Journalism