KAREN A. BISKO, CFRE
Surprise,AZ
Summary
Strategic development leader with a robust background in fundraising and management across healthcare, higher education, foundation, and community service sectors. Expertise includes comprehensive fundraising strategies such as major gifts, planned giving, donor development, and capital campaigns, along with strong proficiency in stakeholder engagement and project management. Recognized for building lasting relationships with board members, volunteers, donors, and key stakeholders while driving strategic initiatives that optimize processes and enhance team performance. Compassionate and mission-driven professional dedicated to collaboration and delivering measurable results that align with organizational goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Advancement – Contract Position
Rainbow Acres, Christian Organization serving Adults with Developmental Disabilities
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Developed strategic fundraising initiatives to exceed goal of $2.5 Million.
- Cultivated relationships with donors and community partners to foster ongoing support for programs.
- Oversaw grant writing process, securing funding for developmental disability services and projects.
- Coordinated marketing efforts to increase awareness of programs and engage donors effectively.
- Implemented donor management systems o streamline contributions tracking and enhance donor efforts.
- Spearheaded initiatives to diversify the organization's funding sources, to reduce reliance on any one particular stream of revenue.
- Established new major gifts and stewardship program for donors at $10,000+ level.
- Expanded planned giving program offerings by educating donors about tax-efficient ways to make a lasting impact. Secured new $100,000 planned gift for Legacy Society.
Vice President of Philanthropy
Catholic Charities Community Services
11.2020 - 01.2025
- Managed comprehensive development efforts raising $24 Million in four years exceeding budget goals.
- In charge of budgeting, strategic planning, volunteer engagement and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders to expand partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Directed and mentored team of 20 members, fostering professional growth and team performance.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align philanthropic vision with mission objectives.
- Enhanced fundraising efforts for capital campaigns, resulting in significant growth of financial support.
- Created new planned giving program and Legacy Society membership for estate donors.
- Developed new major gifts program; Cultivated and solicited donors at $10,000+ level. Coordinated new Hope Society Donor Giving Club to engage and steward current donors.
- Created and developed compelling donor materials through case statements, annual reports, mission videos and personalized donor proposals.
- Utilized prospect research, donor tracking and managing fundraising CRM data analytics of 40,000 donor database to evaluate and increase donor engagement and revenues.
- Secured $1.2 Million gift for Veteran’s program; Secured $500,000 gift from private family foundation.
Chief Development Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Developed and implemented strategic funding initiatives to achieve fundraising goal of $4 Million.
- Created corporate partners program to collaborate with community partners to expand program outreach.
- Analyzed donor data to identify trends and optimize fundraising strategies for increased revenue.
- Secured major gifts for organizational growth through effective identification, cultivation, and solicitation of high-net-worth individuals.
- Secured $1.5 Million gift for STEAM makerspace program; $400,000 in new gifts for STEM program.
- Raised $650,000 through annual Boys & Girls Club Gala.
Senior Director of Development: St. Joseph’s Foundation
Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital & Barrow Neurological Institute
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Assisted President/CEO in achieving combined fundraising goal of $20 Million.
- Led strategic fundraising initiatives to enhance community health programs and services.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand outreach for underserved populations.
- Built relationships with key volunteers, physicians and medical researchers. Instituted new Grateful Patient Giving Program for major gifts and donor development strategies.
- Oversaw major grant writing efforts, securing funding at the $25,000+ level for critical healthcare projects.
- Coordinated high-profile fundraising events including the Barrow Ball $4 Million gala, successfully raising awareness and financial support for hospital initiatives.
- Managed portfolio of 100+ donors, leading to consistent financial support and long-term partnerships.
- Conducted research to identify goals, net worth and charitable donation history related to potential donors, potential investors or general donor markets.
- Secured new $1 Million gift for Medical Education Residency Program and several five and six figure gifts.
Vice President of Development
Benevilla, Interfaith Agency serving Adults with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Responsible for achieving fundraising goal of $2.5 Million through individual giving, special events, corporate giving and annual campaigns.
- Worked with board, staff and volunteers to create a culture of philanthropy through training sessions, educational programs and mission moments.
- Led board development initiatives aimed at recruiting diverse members with expertise in various areas.
- Instituted new major gifts, planned giving and volunteer development programs. Provided identification, cultivation and solicitation of donors. Responsible for portfolio of 100+ donors.
- Secured major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations through targeted solicitation efforts.
- Secured new $100,000 gift for Alzheimer’s program and several five figure gifts.
Director of Development and Donor Services
Waccamaw Community Foundation / Coastal Community Foundation
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed staff of two, assisted with strategic planning, board recruitment and volunteer development.
- In charge of principal gifts and major gifts at the $25,000+ level; Responsible for portfolio of 100 donors.
- Recruited and managed Planned Giving Council and Board Development Committee.
- Developed new Legacy Circle Program to recruit and steward planned giving and endowment prospects.
- Secured new $5 Million and $2 Million planned gifts.
Executive Director
American Diabetes Association, Arizona Chapter
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies to increase donations and raise $1.6 Million annually.
- Provided leadership and management for operations, budgeting, revenue generation, volunteer management, community visibility, marketing, mission related activities and Camp AZDA.
- Identified and recruited community leaders to serve on Community Leadership Board.
- Managed a team of 15 professionals, fostering a collaborative environment for increased productivity.
- Directed fundraising campaigns and community special events including walks, marathon programs, golf and black tie events raising over $500,000+.
- Secured event leadership and national $100,000 corporate sponsorships.
- Created new major gifts program to cultivate and solicit donors at $10,000+ level. Secured new $25,000 major gift for Diabetes Research Program.
- Directed Annual Diabetes Day at the State Capitol in Phoenix, AZ. Built relationships with government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to establish educational resources for patients and families.
Vice President of Development, Banner Health Foundation
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Led comprehensive development program for Banner Good Samaritan with budget goal of $3 Million.
- Participated in planning of $100 Million capital campaign. Developed budgets, case statements and strategic assessments with hospital administration, board and community volunteers.
- Served on Hospital’s Senior Level Leadership Council.
- Recruited Board members to serve on the Hospital Philanthropic Development Council and help guide and support fundraising activities and programs.
- Coordinated major gift solicitations and strategies. In charge of portfolio of 125 donors at the $10,000+ level. Practiced Moves Management system of donor and volunteer cultivation.
- Secured new $1 Million gift for the Cancer Center Bone Marrow Program;
- Secured $500,000 gift for Cardiology Program and $100,000 gift for Breast Cancer Center.
- Created and developed new Physician Giving Campaign. Raised $125,000 in first year.
- Spearheaded strategic partnerships to enhance community health initiatives and service delivery.
Director of Development, Individual Giving
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Assisted Chief Development Officer in coordinating overall Foundation budget of $12 Million.
- In charge of annual individual giving campaign with budget of $2.5 Million.
- Developed a comprehensive annual giving program for 30,000 donors. Created and maintained an effective communications and marketing plan for donors.
- Directed Circle of Care Leadership Giving Level program for donors giving $10,000+. Responsible for portfolio of 120 current donors and volunteers.
- Managed annual National Circle of Care Leadership Conference and Gala and local recognition and stewardship events for volunteers.
- Secured $500,000 gift for the Hospital Fund and $100,000 gift for the Children’s Cancer Program.
- Established partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support philanthropic efforts.
Deputy Executive Director
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
1986 - 01.2002
- Assisted the Executive Director in coordinating and managing annual chapter budget of $2.5 Million.
- Served as Primary Staff Leader in providing day to day direction, training and management of 15 staff.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Successfully solicited corporations, foundations and individuals for sponsorship support from $10,000+ level. Secured $50,000 sponsorship for Research Program.
- Oversaw the successful execution of major projects and special events, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Chapter Director of TEAM IN TRAINING marathon program for five years. Increased fundraising efforts from $12,000 to $500,000+.
- Served as National Consultant for Walk Force and Light the Night Walk Campaigns. Led strategic initiatives to enhance fundraising efforts across multiple chapters.
Senior Development Officer
Arizona State University Foundation, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
01.2008
- Assisted Dean in achieving college fundraising goal of $10 Million.
- In charge of major gift solicitations at the $25,000+ level. Responsible for portfolio of 150 donors.
- Worked with Liberal Arts, Biology, Chemistry and Science Department Chairs, Faculty and Researchers to develop individual fundraising plans and to identify areas of need within the college including scholarships, fellowships, endowments and research projects.
- Cultivated alumni and donors on campus tours, student scholarship dinners, lectures and cultural programs.
Director for Philanthropy
Coastal Carolina University, Colleges of Business and Education
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Assisted Vice President of Philanthropy in achieving college fundraising goal of $7.5 Million.
- Secured new $100,000 and $50,000 major gifts and planned gifts for the College of Business.
- Promoted a culture of philanthropy at Advisory Board meetings through educational activities, guest speakers and student scholarship events.
- Planned Regional Alumni and Donor Receptions in various states. Coordinated Volunteer Stewardship Dinner for key volunteers, donors and stakeholders.
- Performed campus tours, department visits and cultivation meetings for donors and new prospects.
- Directed and managed Third Party Events to benefit the college.
National Director of Development & Special Events
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), National Office
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Provided direct support and managed $10 Million leadership special events budget for 41 CCFA chapters nationwide, including event management, marketing materials, staff training, best practices and board and volunteer development.
- Developed event strategies and implemented new signature event programs to generate special event revenue and new corporate sponsorships to support patient and scientific research programs.
- Reviewed and assessed existing donor event programs to improve net income and overall results.
- Created and developed a new Volunteer Cultivation Plan to move high level individual volunteers and event fundraisers from Team Challenge Marathon Program into major gift donors and key chapter leaders and volunteers.
- In charge of developing new Women of Distinction Black Tie Recognition Events in four major markets with new Volunteer Leadership Committees with overall budget of $1Million.
- Worked with CCFA’s National Collegiate and Highschool Youth Council to develop a new campaign - Phones 4 Crohn’s raising over $250,000.
Associate Executive Director
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
01.1991 - 01.1999
- Served as Primary Staff Leader in providing day to day direction, training and management of 15 staff.
- Assisted the Executive Director in coordinating and managing annual chapter budget of $2.5 Million.
- Provided leadership for fundraising campaigns, special events, and board and volunteer development.
- In charge of hiring, training, and managing campaign staff and volunteers in two Branch Offices.
- Successfully solicited corporations, foundations and individuals for sponsorship support from $10,000+ level. Secured new $50,000 title sponsorship from Southwestern Bell for Leukemia Research Program.
- Managed and directed special events: Diamond Ball ($250,000); Polo for the Cure ($125,000); Breakfast with the Champions ($100,000); Light the Night Walk ($100,000); Foodland Golf Invitational ($75,000); Mother’s Day Tea; Celebrity Waiter’s Dinner; and Man & Woman of the Year.
- Chapter Director of TEAM IN TRAINING for five years (1995- 2000), the Society’s signature fundraising campaign ($500,000+). Increased fundraising efforts from $12,000 to $500,000+.
- Served as National Consultant for the Walk Force and Light the Night Annual Walk Campaigns. Directed and oversaw two LLS Chapters and provided support and guidance.
Campaign / Program Coordinator
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
01.1986 - 01.1990
- Served as Primary Staff Leader in providing day to day direction, training and management of 15 staff.
- Assisted the Executive Director in coordinating and managing annual chapter budget of $2.5 Million.
- Provided leadership for fundraising campaigns, special events, and board and volunteer development.
- In charge of hiring, training, and managing campaign staff and volunteers in two Branch Offices.
- Successfully solicited corporations, foundations and individuals for sponsorship support from $10,000+ level. Secured new $50,000 title sponsorship from Southwestern Bell for Leukemia Research Program.
- Managed and directed special events: Diamond Ball ($250,000); Polo for the Cure ($125,000); Breakfast with the Champions ($100,000); Light the Night Walk ($100,000); Foodland Golf Invitational ($75,000); Mother’s Day Tea; Celebrity Waiter’s Dinner; and Man & Woman of the Year.
- Chapter Director of TEAM IN TRAINING for five years (1995- 2000), the Society’s signature fundraising campaign ($500,000+). Increased fundraising efforts from $12,000 to $500,000+.
- Served as National Consultant for the Walk Force and Light the Night Annual Walk Campaigns. Directed and oversaw two LLS Chapters and provided support and guidance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism With Emphasis in Public Relations, Minor in Business
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WVAssociation of Healthcare Philanthropy’s Madison Institute
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WISkills
- Organizational growth strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective team leadership
- Strategic decision-making
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Relationship building and management
- Skilled in managing CRM systems
- Performance metrics
- Revenue and profit maximization
- Mentoring and coaching
Accomplishments
CFRE - Certified Fund Raising Executive
Affiliations
Association of Healthcare Philanthropy; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Planned Giving Round Table; Surprise Chamber of Commerce; Country Care Home Health Services; WHAM Community Arts Center; Breakaway From Cancer; Therapeutic Harp Foundation; WVU Ms. Mountaineer Top 5 Senior Outstanding Women; WVU Panhellenic Council President; WVU Equestrian Team; Delta Delta Delta Sorority; Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show Champion; Team in Training 26.2 Honolulu Marathon; Girl Scout, Animal Rescue and Komen Race for the Cure Volunteer.
Timeline
Director of Advancement – Contract Position
Rainbow Acres, Christian Organization serving Adults with Developmental Disabilities
01.2025 - 08.2025
Vice President of Philanthropy
Catholic Charities Community Services
11.2020 - 01.2025
Chief Development Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
04.2019 - 04.2020
Senior Director of Development: St. Joseph’s Foundation
Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital & Barrow Neurological Institute
01.2015 - 01.2019
Vice President of Development
Benevilla, Interfaith Agency serving Adults with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
01.2014 - 12.2014
Director of Development and Donor Services
Waccamaw Community Foundation / Coastal Community Foundation
01.2014 - 01.2015
Director for Philanthropy
Coastal Carolina University, Colleges of Business and Education
01.2012 - 01.2014
National Director of Development & Special Events
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), National Office
01.2010 - 01.2012
Executive Director
American Diabetes Association, Arizona Chapter
01.2008 - 01.2010
Senior Development Officer
Arizona State University Foundation, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
01.2008
Vice President of Development, Banner Health Foundation
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2008
Director of Development, Individual Giving
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation
01.2002 - 01.2004
Associate Executive Director
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
01.1991 - 01.1999
Campaign / Program Coordinator
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
01.1986 - 01.1990
Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s Madison Institute
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Deputy Executive Director
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO Chapters
1986 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Journalism With Emphasis in Public Relations, Minor in Business
West Virginia University