Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kelly Russo

Arlington,VA

Summary

Experienced nonprofit leader with over 15 years of expertise in pioneering strategies that boost organizational efficiency and drive revenue growth. Proven track record in leading and coaching teams within nonprofit organizations, with a strong focus on peer-to-peer fundraising, distinguished events and walks, planned giving, and major gifts.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Development

Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC)
05.2022 - Current
  • Provide visionary leadership and executive oversight of TAC’s comprehensive fundraising and revenue strategy, leading the development and execution of a strategic plan to secure diverse funding from individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, with a $3.5 million revenue goal
  • Oversee donor engagement and design high-impact solicitation and stewardship strategies to build and nurture relationships with major donors and stakeholders
  • Achieved an increase in overall revenue of more than $1 million, alongside a 156% surge in campaign fundraising revenue over a 15-month period
  • Responsible for the successful execution of TAC’s 25th Anniversary Gala, surpassing the revenue goal by 46%
  • Led the successful transition to a new CRM system, enhancing data management and donor engagement capabilities
  • As a senior leader, played a pivotal role in the rebranding of TAC, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and strengthening the organization's public profile
  • Partner closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to secure critical philanthropic investments that ensure TAC’s long-term sustainability.

Director, Field Resource Development

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
09.2020 - 04.2022
  • Responsible for the national implementation of NAMIWalks in more than 120 markets nationwide with an overall revenue goal of more than $13 million
  • Led the Field Resource Development Team, responsible for creating and implementing new fund development strategies, online resources and fundraising tools that enhanced the financial sustainability of the NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates
  • Increased engagement of NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates within the NAMIWalks program and grew overall revenue by 34% in 2021
  • Maintained and expanded relationships with National Corporate Teams and National Sponsors
  • Oversaw the development and overall execution of the Field Resource Development Department’s operational and risk management plan.

Director, Walk & Volunteer Engagement

Colorectal Cancer Alliance
01.2018 - 06.2020
  • Oversaw the national execution of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s signature fundraising peer-to-peer event series with a revenue goal of $2 million
  • Built and led the transition from staff-executed to volunteer-executed events in 22 cities and managed the rebranding of the Undy Run/Walk to Walk to End Colon Cancer
  • Conducted in-depth analysis of fundraising initiatives and provided timely revenue reports to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors
  • Increased community and volunteer engagement across the organization by more than 100 volunteers
  • Created and deployed training initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of volunteer leaders and direct reports.

Manager, Community Development (Mid-Atlantic Region)

National Psoriasis Foundation
05.2017 - 01.2018
  • Led the National Psoriasis Foundation’s field operations across Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., achieving a 15% growth in revenue
  • Oversaw the planning, organization, and execution of events, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region
  • Conducted strategic development planning to enhance outreach and advocacy through targeted event programs
  • Expanded and managed relationships with physicians and corporate partners to secure and increase sponsorship funding
  • Cultivated and developed two boards of directors in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Senior Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
12.2016 - 05.2017
  • Responsible for the creation and implementation of strategic fundraising initiatives to reach a regional fundraising goal of more than $1.7 million
  • Secured sponsorship dollars and recruited corporate and community teams
  • Directly managed 6 Community Managers in D.C., Maryland & Virginia
  • Maintained oversight of event budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and adherence to financial objectives.

Senior Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
10.2013 - 12.2016
  • Supervised 7 Community Managers across Northern Los Angeles County, leading efforts to achieve a revenue goal exceeding $1.3 million
  • Orchestrated the management of the largest Relay For Life event in Los Angeles County
  • Managed, motivated and engaged 500+ volunteers by cultivating and building relationships
  • Coordinated marketing and promotional activities to maximize event participation and fundraising efforts.

Manager, Distinguished Events

American Cancer Society, Inc.
03.2013 - 10.2013
  • Developed, launched, and managed the Young Professional Associate Board of Ambassadors in Los Angeles, resulting in a 20% increase in fundraising revenue
  • Collaborated on a statewide leadership planning team for the 100th Birthday Ball
  • Sourced sponsorship leads and underwriting opportunities to enhance event revenue
  • Oversaw timely and accurate distribution of all event communications to relevant constituent groups.

Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
02.2010 - 03.2013
  • Responsible for five Relay For Life fundraising events throughout Southern California
  • Within 24 months, grew portfolio income by 119%
  • Managed volunteer generated income ranging from $54,000-$230,000 per event
  • Responsible for the accurate and timely reporting of event status and revenue projections
  • Built and maintained relationships with over 100+ American Cancer Society volunteers.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Communication Studies

Ohio University, Scripps College of Communication
Athens, OH

Skills

  • Blackbaud
  • Classy
  • DonorDrive
  • DonorPerfect
  • Fundraise Up
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
  • Rallybound
  • Salesforce
  • SmartSheets

Timeline

Director of Development

Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC)
05.2022 - Current

Director, Field Resource Development

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
09.2020 - 04.2022

Director, Walk & Volunteer Engagement

Colorectal Cancer Alliance
01.2018 - 06.2020

Manager, Community Development (Mid-Atlantic Region)

National Psoriasis Foundation
05.2017 - 01.2018

Senior Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
12.2016 - 05.2017

Senior Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
10.2013 - 12.2016

Manager, Distinguished Events

American Cancer Society, Inc.
03.2013 - 10.2013

Manager, Relay For Life

American Cancer Society, Inc.
02.2010 - 03.2013

Bachelor of Science - Communication Studies

Ohio University, Scripps College of Communication

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Kelly Russo