Dustin Colson
Limington,ME
Summary
Strategic nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in public service, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. Proven track record in fundraising, program development, and operational leadership. Adept at building partnerships, leading teams, and driving initiatives that support sustainable community development and environmental stewardship.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association
02.2024 - Current
- Lead and execute multi-channel fundraising strategies, including major gifts, grants, online campaigns, and donor stewardship.
- Oversee membership and e-commerce operations, including the online store, CRM, and payment processing system.
- Manage all donor communications, acknowledgments, data systems, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
- Plan and execute fundraising events, develop marketing content, and represent the organization at key external engagements.
- Maintain strong relationships with donors, members, sponsors, and partners while aligning all initiatives with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
Commercial Lobsterman – Apprenticeship & License Pursuit
Bailey Island
Bailey Island, USA
01.2021 - Current
- Currently pursuing an apprenticeship under Maine’s commercial lobster licensing program.
- Operate aboard licensed vessels, mastering trap hauling and gear maintenance.
- Gaining in-depth knowledge of marine safety, compliance, and fisheries policy.
- Building strong relationships with the fishing community.
Co-Founder & Chief of Operations
Azimuth On Point, LLC
Washington, D.C./Metro, USA
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Founded a licensed private investigations and security firm.
- Managed compliance with Virginia DCJS.
- Led business development and contract negotiations.
- Oversaw operational logistics for investigations.
- Supervised and trained investigative staff.
Corrections Lieutenant
Virginia Department of Corrections
, USA
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Managed security operations and tactical response.
- Conducted physical security audits as part of a specialized team, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards across multiple state correctional facilities.
- Delivered coaching to large cross-functional teams.
- Coordinated re-entry and educational programs.
Field Representative/Program Manager
Central Texas College
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Developed regional education centers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Managed military student enrollment and operations.
- Generated over $280,000 in tuition revenue in Microsoft Certification Training alone.
Education
Professional Fundraiser Certificate - CFRE Program
Boston University
Boston09-2024
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07-2013
Skills
- Fundraising and donor engagement
- Donor stewardship
- CRM management
- Event planning
- Project management
- Corporate sponsorships
- Board relations
- Performance monitoring
- Development tracking systems
- Proposal development
- Program management
- Community outreach and education
- Strategic planning and execution
- Team leadership and staff development
- Environmental advocacy and stewardship
- Compliance and operational oversight
- Stakeholder relations
Volunteer Community Engagement
- Youth Hockey Coach, Biddeford Youth Hockey 2022-Current
- Marine Conservation Educator, K–5th, Marine Stewardship Education Series, 2022-2024
- Church Security Team Member, Mt. Ararat Baptist, 2014-2019
- Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, Various, 2007-2019
Affiliations
- Avid fly, troll, and ice fisherman
- Homesteading enthusiast
- Hunter
- Forager
- Boat builder
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Development
New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association
02.2024 - Current
Commercial Lobsterman – Apprenticeship & License Pursuit
Bailey Island
01.2021 - Current
Co-Founder & Chief of Operations
Azimuth On Point, LLC
01.2014 - 01.2020
Corrections Lieutenant
Virginia Department of Corrections
01.2010 - 01.2015
Field Representative/Program Manager
Central Texas College
01.2005 - 01.2009
Professional Fundraiser Certificate - CFRE Program
Boston University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Liberty University
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