Jana E. Bland
Waco
Summary
Strategic Chief of Staff and operations leader collaborating with founders and executives to enhance organizational growth and operational efficiency. Successfully led multimillion-dollar fundraising initiatives while aligning cross-functional teams and stakeholder priorities, translating visionary leadership into actionable strategies.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Staff | Executive Operations Lead
Office of Andra Liemandt
Austin
01.2018 - Current
- Serve as strategic partner and operational lead to entrepreneur and philanthropist Andra Liemandt, overseeing executive operations, strategic initiatives, and nonprofit growth efforts for The Kindness Campaign.
- Directed executive operations for founder across nonprofit and business initiatives, aligning leadership priorities, organizational planning, and external partnerships.
- Collaborated with the founder as the primary operational partner, coordinating priorities across philanthropic, nonprofit, and business initiatives to align with strategic goals.
- Oversee executive communications, presentations, and strategic messaging for leadership engagements.
- Led multi-year fundraising strategy and execution for flagship event generating $2M in philanthropic revenue and supporting program expansion.
- Directed vendor negotiations, sponsorship strategy, and event logistics for large-scale fundraising experiences, ensuring seamless execution and maximizing participant engagement.
- Managed complex event production and fundraising initiatives in collaboration with major cultural organizations including the GRAMMY Museum and The Recording Academy.
- Coordinated partnership with AMC Theatres to produce and distribute two national anti-bullying public service announcements supporting the organization's "I'm Enough" campaign.
Marketing, Special Events & Alumni Engagement Coordinator
McLennan Community College Foundation
Waco
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Led marketing, donor engagement, and fundraising initiatives for a $16M college foundation, supporting philanthropic development and community engagement.
- Coordinated donor communications, marketing campaigns, and philanthropic outreach to enhance community engagement.
- Managed engagement strategy for a 4,500-member alumni association, strengthening donor and community relationships.
- Produced two major annual fundraising events generating support for scholarships and institutional initiatives.
- Executed logistics and planning for college's 50th Anniversary Celebration, producing eight large-scale events and establishing a $70,000 endowed scholarship fund.
- Organized private donor and leadership events for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, elevating campus engagement initiatives.
Executive Office & Events Coordinator
Waco Foundation
Waco
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led planning and execution of leadership events, board meetings, and donor engagements.
- Managed event budgets, negotiated contracts, and streamlined operational logistics for successful event execution.
- Coordinated executive communications and board governance to enhance decision-making processes.
- Supported executive operations for a $143M community foundation, partnering with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on strategic initiatives and donor engagement.
- Conducted research and evaluated programs to assess community impact and inform strategic initiatives.
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Waco Foundation
Waco
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Provided executive support for foundation leadership and assisted with board governance, grant review processes, and nonprofit programming initiatives.
- Acted as primary liaison between executive leadership and board members.
- Coordinated board meetings, retreats, and committee sessions to ensure effective governance and strategic direction.
- Evaluated grant applications and prepared decision-making materials to facilitate informed board discussions.
- Supported leadership programs including LeadershipPlenty Institute and regional nonprofit initiatives to enhance community engagement and organizational impact.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing, French
Baylor University
Skills
- Chief of Staff Partnership
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Execution
- Operations Management
- Program Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Business Development
- Project Management
- Change Management
- Budget Oversight
- Financial Stewardship
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Executive Communications
Websites
Certification
- Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)
- CPR / AED Certified
Select Impact
- $2M raised through flagship fundraising event leadership
- Executive partner supporting founder across nonprofit and entrepreneurial initiatives
- Coordinated national media partnership with AMC Theatres
- Managed high-profile events with cultural institutions including the GRAMMY Museum
- Supported leadership and operations within $143M and $16M philanthropic organizations
Professional Development
- Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member
- National Philanthropy Day - Co-Chair
- BoardSource Certification - Nonprofit Board Education
- BoardSource Certification - Nonprofit Chief Executives
- Community Foundation Fundamentals - Council on Foundations
- Principles & Techniques of Fundraising - Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
- LeadershipPlenty Institute Participant
Timeline
Chief of Staff | Executive Operations Lead
Office of Andra Liemandt
01.2018 - Current
Marketing, Special Events & Alumni Engagement Coordinator
McLennan Community College Foundation
01.2014 - 01.2019
Executive Office & Events Coordinator
Waco Foundation
01.2013 - 01.2014
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Waco Foundation
01.2011 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing, French
Baylor University