Renee Paulsell
MO
Summary
A dynamic nonprofit executive with over 25 years of experience in revenue generation, volunteer engagement, and cross-functional team leadership. Skilled at managing multi-million dollar fundraising operations, closing high-value partnerships, and fostering community relevance through innovative, customer-centric strategies. Known for driving a culture of inclusivity and collaboration while surpassing financial and mission-driven goals. Proven record of cultivating high-impact relationships and mobilizing volunteer leadership to support transformative, life-saving missions.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Philanthropy
Bethany Christian Services
10.2022 - Current
- Lead a high-performing team responsible for $5M+ in annual major gifts, focusing on expanding market relevance and community impact through tailored relationship-building and multi-channel fundraising
- Developed and launched a $50M multi-year campaign ('Raise Up for Bethany'), achieving $15M in the first 12 months by fostering high-net-worth donor relationships
- Cultivated and retained a diverse base of volunteer leaders, increasing board and volunteer engagement by 30% and driving accountability for campaign priorities and goals
- Built relationships with C-suite corporate leaders and individual philanthropists, directly securing three $1M+ gifts within the first six months
- Championed a culture of diversity and inclusion by embedding DEI practices in all fundraising and volunteer engagement activities
Regional Vice President
Arthritis Foundation
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Directed a $5.6M budget and led a team of 23 development staff, achieving a 20% increase in revenue by executing community-focused, customer-centric revenue strategies
- Created and led a market-focused volunteer board of influencers, engaging high-impact community leaders to support the Foundation’s goals, resulting in a 15% increase in major gift contributions
- Developed contingency revenue plans that enabled flexible and responsive fundraising during market shifts, resulting in $1.2M in new corporate sponsorships
- Established relationships with key regional corporate and community leaders to boost revenue and strengthen the Foundation’s mission impact
National Director
Foundation Fighting Blindness
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Managed a $11.4M budget and an 11-member remote team, driving a 35% increase in chapter revenue through a nationwide peer-to-peer and DIY fundraising program
- Launched an in-market engagement plan that grew the volunteer base by 25%, optimizing community engagement and supporting the Foundation’s growth strategy
- Collaborated with volunteer and chapter leaders to create a best-practices toolkit, enhancing volunteer leadership and increasing new donor retention by 15%
Vice President
Mercy Health Foundation
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Oversaw six Mercy Health Foundations with a $8M annual revenue target, leading cross-functional teams and volunteer boards to align revenue with community health goals
- Increased board engagement and volunteer retention by 25% through targeted recruitment and a volunteer management strategy that enhanced board contributions by $1.6M annually
- Secured a $500,000 grant within the first six months, demonstrating strategic agility in high-stakes grant applications and donor relations
Senior Vice President of Field Operations
American Diabetes Association
09.1994 - 04.2019
- Managed a $45M annual budget and all U.S
- Philanthropic operations, achieving $10M+ annually in major gifts and securing multiple $1M+ corporate partnerships with Walmart, Sanofi, and Johnson & Johnson
- Built a nationwide network of volunteer boards and community influencers, resulting in a 20% increase in donor retention and 30% growth in major gift revenue over five years
- Spearheaded digital campaigns like 'Stop Diabetes,' driving organizational relevance and community engagement to support mission-driven revenue goals
- Created a field team succession planning program and streamlined multi-market collaboration, improving staff retention by 40% and increasing productivity across all regions
Education
Master of Arts - Integrative Leadership
Drury University
Springfield, MOBachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Drury University
Springfield, MOSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Comprehensive and Capital campaigns
- Board relations
- Team leadership
- Strategic Partnerships
- Major gift solicitation
- Corporate Partnership Aquisition
- Community Outreach
- Peer to Peer Fundraising
- Public speaking
Timeline
Vice President of Philanthropy
Bethany Christian Services
10.2022 - Current
Regional Vice President
Arthritis Foundation
08.2021 - 04.2022
National Director
Foundation Fighting Blindness
10.2020 - 08.2021
Vice President
Mercy Health Foundation
04.2019 - 05.2020
Senior Vice President of Field Operations
American Diabetes Association
09.1994 - 04.2019
Master of Arts - Integrative Leadership
Drury University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Drury University
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