LISA ALEXANDER
Ann Arbor,MI
Summary
Dynamic professional with more than 25 years experience in advancement, integrated marketing, and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Consultant
XAN Communications
Ann Arbor
01.2024 - Current
- Create integrated marketing and advancement solutions for organizations wishing to elevate their brand or build campaigns that inspire philanthropic support.
- Regional clients include: Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy | Broadway Park West (Ann Arbor); The Bonstelle Playhouse (Detroit); The Roxbury Group (Detroit).
Director of Marketing
Cape Symphony
West Barnstable
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Developed campaign strategies for performances, education programs, and community engagement activities that delivered against brand positioning and business objectives. FYE '24 team milestones:
- 98% of pre-pandemic ticket revenue achieved; 15% increase in sales from previous year.
- 10% increase in total revenue (enrollments + ticket sales)
- 12:1 ROAS and 6:1 ROI in total marketing spend.
Consultant + Volunteer
United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County
Asheville
01.2020 - 01.2021
- In partnership with Vice President of Resource Development, built framework and implementation strategy for “The Next 100” Centennial Campaign.
Director of Stewardship & Campaign Strategy
Asheville School
Asheville
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Implemented donor engagement strategies to advance $25M capital campaign; $15M realized within first two years; personally instrumental in securing more than $2M in grants and capital gifts.
- Developed messaging platform and creative materials for campaign, collaborating with leadership to ensure a consistent brand voice across all donor interaction points.
Chief Development Officer
Pedal the Cause | San Diego
San Diego
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Led strategic marketing and advancement initiatives for annual cycling event raising funds for collaborative cancer research at leading research institutes in San Diego, among them Rady Children’s Hospital and The Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
- In 2014, doubled ridership and raise from prior year, resulting in a $1M donation to cancer research.
- Stewarded inaugural Ride for a Child (RFC) program in 2015; cumulative RFC team raise of $515,000.
Senior Director of Philanthropy
United Way of San Diego County
San Diego
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Managed 100+ Tocqueville Society ($10,000+) donor relationships, increasing UWSD impact funding from 13% to 40% of total Tocqueville revenue throughout the course of one fiscal year.
- Established the United Way Burnham Challenge Match, resulting in $400,000 in new Tocqueville gifts to improve the education, financial stability, and health of San Diego.
Director of Marketing & Resource Development
Arbor Hospice & Home Care
Ann Arbor
2001 - 01.2006
- Built integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations programs for Arbor Hospice & Home Care, resulting in a 75% increase in census over a four-year period.
- Developed mission, vision, and board engagement strategies for newly established The Arbor Hospice Foundation.
Vice President of Communications
San Diego Symphony
San Diego
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Served on mayoral-led task force to reestablish the San Diego Symphony following a two-year operational hiatus, spearheading rebranding initiative, aligning visual identity with company values and strategic direction.
- Forged cross-promotional alliances which led to, among others:
- Signature performance during the opening ceremonies of the 1998 World Series Championship.
- Inaugural West Coast tour of world-renowned opera star Andrea Bocelli.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of Texas
Austin1988
Skills
- Campaign Strategy
- Art / Creative Direction
- Donor Stewardship
- Brand Strategy
- Advancement Communications
- Event Production
Websites
Timeline
Principal Consultant
XAN Communications
01.2024 - Current
Director of Marketing
Cape Symphony
01.2021 - 01.2025
Consultant + Volunteer
United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director of Stewardship & Campaign Strategy
Asheville School
01.2016 - 01.2020
Chief Development Officer
Pedal the Cause | San Diego
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Director of Philanthropy
United Way of San Diego County
01.2010 - 01.2013
Vice President of Communications
San Diego Symphony
01.1994 - 01.2000
Director of Marketing & Resource Development
Arbor Hospice & Home Care
2001 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of Texas