John Benson
Director Of Philanthropy
Bridgewater
Summary
Experienced in overseeing comprehensive philanthropic programs, dedicated to ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Expertise in strategic planning and relationship-building, fostering donor engagement and driving fundraising success. Proven track record in this field, committed to utilizing skills to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of your organization.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Philanthropy
Health Services Foundation of the South Shore
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Oversaw donor database management, maintaining accurate records and utilizing data for targeted outreach efforts.
- Engaged in collaborative problem-solving for fundraising and donor development.
- Evaluated program effectiveness regularly, making data-driven adjustments as needed to maximize impact.
Donor Relations Director
Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
01.2022 - 10.2024
- Raised 177% of major gift targets ($1M+ annually), exceeding healthcare fundraising goals
- Increased donor retention by 13% above industry benchmarks through personalized stewardship
- Expanded donor base by 38% and year-over-year giving by 18% through targeted cultivation strategies
- Secured corporate sponsorships by engaging key business leaders and community stakeholders
- Led fundraising campaigns, including launching Women Leading Philanthropy to support women’s health initiatives
- Improved donor retention rates by developing customized stewardship plans and providing meaningful engagement opportunities.
- Enhanced donor relationships by implementing personalized communication strategies and regular updates on program outcomes.
- Utilized data-driven analysis to identify new prospects for major gifts, expanding the organization''s potential donor pool.
- Designed meaningful donor experiences by creating tailored site visits and programmatic updates, showcasing the impact of their contributions.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of major donors, cultivating long-term partnerships and fostering sustained giving.
- Conducted regular donor meetings to solicit feedback on program effectiveness, utilizing insights to drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Increased donor database accuracy by implementing rigorous data entry protocols, ensuring timely gift acknowledgements and reporting.
- Implemented innovative approaches to recognize donors'' contributions through various acknowledgment methods that fostered loyalty among supporters.
- Utilized ground-up approach to integrating CRM resources to optimize resource and time allocation.
Vice President, Private Client Group
Fisher Investments International
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Led the development and execution of sustainable revenue growth strategies for the region’s investment portfolio
- Drove sales growth by fostering strong client relationships and delivering superior service
- Developed and implemented strategies to align investment solutions with client needs, ensuring long-term retention and portfolio success
Regional Manager, Wealth
Servus Credit Union
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic direction and leadership to a team of financial advisors, driving asset growth
- Built and mentored high-performing teams, ensuring client service excellence and business growth
- Developed and executed financial strategies to enhance portfolio performance and client engagement
- Developed and executed successful business plans that resulted in improved market share and profitability within the region.
- Mentored and developed high-potential employees for leadership roles through individualized career development plans and opportunities for growth.
- Enhanced team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff members.
General Manager
CIBC
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Led a client-focused initiative, achieving a 72% revenue lift and 1023.4% net sales growth
- Managed business development strategies, driving long-term client retention and satisfaction
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
Regional Director, Central & Northern Alberta
ATB Wealth
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Provided leadership and coaching to financial advisors, fostering high performance and strategic partnerships
- Promoted consistent execution of client experience strategies, leading to strong business results
- Ranked #1 & #2 in Provincial net sales growth (2011)
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by developing initiatives focused on enhancing service quality and responsiveness.
Education
MFA-P - Master Financial Advisor in Philanthropy
Canadian Association of Gift Planners
FCSI - Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute
Canadian Securities Institute
CIM - Chartered Investment Manager
Canadian Securities Institute
PFP - Personal Financial Planning Diploma
Institute of Canadian Bankers
Skills
- Major Gift Fundraising & Stewardship
- Strategic Fund Development
- Donor Engagement Strategies
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Board Collaboration
- Raiser’s Edge & Donor Perfect Skills
- Community Engagement
- Business Development
- CRM integration
- Business planning
Awards
Dale Carnegie Highest Achievement Award
Volunteer Leadership And Community Engagement
- Director & Vice President, Kiwanis Club of Red Deer
- Director, Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta & NWT
Timeline
Director of Philanthropy
Health Services Foundation of the South Shore
11.2024 - 03.2025
Donor Relations Director
Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
01.2022 - 10.2024
Vice President, Private Client Group
Fisher Investments International
01.2019 - 01.2020
Regional Manager, Wealth
Servus Credit Union
01.2014 - 01.2019
General Manager
CIBC
01.2011 - 01.2014
Regional Director, Central & Northern Alberta
ATB Wealth
01.2004 - 01.2011
FCSI - Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute
Canadian Securities Institute
CIM - Chartered Investment Manager
Canadian Securities Institute
PFP - Personal Financial Planning Diploma
Institute of Canadian Bankers
MFA-P - Master Financial Advisor in Philanthropy
Canadian Association of Gift Planners
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