Years of Executive Nonprofit Leadership
Renee Steele Paulsell
Executive Leadership
Summary
25+ years of success in directing and driving the overall mission of organizations by expanding and diversifying the organization's funder base. Qualifications Summary Nonprofit executive and influential leader with a broad range of experience leading strategic decisions to build a nonprofit's visibility, impact, and financial resources. Hands-on experience overseeing all fundraising and development activities and implementing a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances. Proven success in securing funding through major gifts, planned gifts, corporate sponsorships, special events, and grants. A natural leader and teacher who can train, develop, and motivate diverse individuals toward accomplishing common goals. Proven ability to multitask in a globally competitive and fast-paced environment and a commitment to superior service.
Overview
30
30
Work History
Vice President-Philanthropy
Bethany Christian Services
10.2022 - Current
- Responsible for leading Best in Class nationwide Major Gift Officer Team, Mid-Rep Philanthropy Team, and National Foundation staff to meet and exceed the $11M annual revenue goal
- Developed a comprehensive donor campaign strategy to implement a $20M multi-year major gift campaign for exponential growth
- Redesigned and implemented a multi-year strategy to accomplish domestic and fundraising campaigns
- Leveraged the Office of Bethany CEO to build relationships with key and influential donors and potential partners
- Developed strategic organizational cases for support to provide structure in fundraising efforts.
Region Vice President
Arthritis Foundation
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Partnered with volunteer leaders and community volunteer leaders to build network strategies and an annual work plan that meets the needs of the arthritis community
- Provided strategic direction and supportive management to a team of 23 remote-based team members while managing a $5.6M annual budget
- Expanded the regional footprint of the Foundation's benefactor community by identifying and cultivating relationships in the central United States to increase revenue and bottom-line profitability
- Formulated new strategic roadmaps for virtual and in-person peer-to-peer fundraising, individual donations, and major gifts
- Increased donor engagement, outreach, and activation by developing and implementing a three-year strategic growth plan.
National Director
Foundation Fighting Blindness, Nationwide
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Promoted and achieved successful engagement in the DIY fundraising nationwide program
- Oversaw the development and execution of an in-market plan to grow the chapter community, primarily focusing on providing resources, raising funds, and building engagement
- Managed and maintained the $11.4M Chapter annual budget
- Authored and implemented a Chapter Staff and Volunteer Best Practices Tool Kit Guide
- Championed and empowered the inaugural nationwide 11-member national chapter remote team
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape and established a portfolio of relationships and partnerships representing the Foundation to identify opportunities to secure volunteers and increase donor funding.
Vice President
Mercy Health Foundation, Springfield, MO
04.2019 - 05.2020
- (Position eliminated due to COVID-19 reductions); provided hands-on oversight to six Mercy Health Foundations within Missouri's Mercy Hospitals while managing 14 remote and in-person teams
- Collaborated with staff and volunteer leadership to connect revenue-generating initiatives with the organization's operations
- Recruited and worked multiple Board of Directors groups for all hospital foundations
- Developed operational best practices for contributed fund balance distribution, increasing revenue by $1.6 million annually and reducing fundraising expenses by 5% YOY
- Secured a $500,000 grant in the first six months of employment
- Increased staff productivity by monitoring progress, establishing plans and budgets, and measuring results using Raiser's Edge and RE/NXT to implement a portfolio moves management process.
Senior Vice President
American Diabetes Association
09.1994 - 04.2019
- Provided senior executive-level leadership to nationwide US operations
- Accountable for strategic and operational goals, teams, and driving processes for expense improvements
- Managed a $45M annual budget and all fundraising activities for the ADA field-based operation
- Implemented organizational plans and procedures to promote departmental collaboration and a positive vision for the organization
- Streamlined operational efficiencies by coordinating diverse teams' staff development
- Created succession planning processes for all field-based positions
- Developed and executed the first-ever $1M gala for the organization.
Region Vice President
American Diabetes Association, IA, IL, MO, MS
Education
Master of Arts - Integrative Leadership
Drury University
Springfield, MOBachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership Studies
Drury University
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Development
- Philanthropy
- Comprehensive Campaign Development
- Client and Partnership Relations
- Team Development
- Grant Writing
- Volunteer Management
- Corporate Development
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
Timeline
Vice President-Philanthropy
Bethany Christian Services
10.2022 - Current
Region Vice President
Arthritis Foundation
08.2021 - 04.2022
National Director
Foundation Fighting Blindness, Nationwide
10.2020 - 08.2021
Vice President
Mercy Health Foundation, Springfield, MO
04.2019 - 05.2020
Senior Vice President
American Diabetes Association
09.1994 - 04.2019
Region Vice President
American Diabetes Association, IA, IL, MO, MS
Master of Arts - Integrative Leadership
Drury University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership Studies
Drury University
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