Susan Brogger
Wyoming
Summary
Confident and dynamic fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience driving impactful results across multiple markets. An effective team leader excelling in cross-functional collaboration, strategic relationship management, and event analytics. A champion for positive culture and strong teamwork while placing high value on accountability and growth through effective coaching.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Events
American Cancer Society
Michigan
06.2022 - Current
- Actively lead a portfolio of $1.5M and a team of three Senior Development Managers across multiple markets nationally.
- Hold Senior Development Managers accountable to KPIs, pipeline health, and Workday goals through regular focus meetings.
- Identify gaps in revenue and collectively strategize how to close those gaps using event season vs fiscal year as leverage.
- Facilitated quarterly Premier Events Meetings to develop and implement growth strategies across our top growth properties, working across pillars to create the best position for growth.
- Effectively coach to behaviors that align with our ACS Competencies
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
Michigan
03.2020 - 06.2022
- Successfully managed a portfolio of up to $400,000 with Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in West Michigan.
- Operated within the designated expense ratio for all events in my portfolio.
- Managed, cultivated, coached, and recruited volunteers across multiple markets.
- Sought out unique and meaningful ways to steward our top donors and increase engagement.
- Positively led our volunteers through a challenging time pivoting and innovating; staying true to the ACS mission.
Senior Manager, Development
American Cancer Society
Michigan
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed a team of 6 in the greater West MI area with a portfolio of $1.5M in Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
- Assembled and led strategic market meetings around key growth properties working cross-functionally and collaboratively to ensure the highest potential was reached.
- Developed and maintained a culture of positivity and support across the team while still holding them accountable to achieving their goals.
- Cultivated, grew, and retained relationships with top accounts and contacts contributing to a strong pipeline and ultimately, growth.
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
Michigan
05.2016 - 07.2019
- Managed a portfolio of $350,000, on average, across Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Men Wear Pink.
- Assimilated, managed, and coached grassroots volunteers across multiple markets and empowered volunteers to own the event and event experience.
- Cultivated and nurtured key relationships in each market leading to significant growth in event engagement with companies like Pfizer, Barber Ford, and Gun Lake Casino.
- Actively participated in regular market meetings, working cross-functionally to position our area for growth.
Education
Criminal Justice
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MIBiology
Calvin University
Grand RapidsEast Kentwood High School
Kentwood, MISkills
- Strategic analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
- Volunteer management
- Ability to lead high-level volunteers
- Coaching skills
- Confident leadership
- Culture building
- Relationship management
- Strong communication skills
- Council creation and leadership skills
- Discover, retain, and develop top talent
Accomplishments
- Co-created the West MI Volunteer Leadership Council in 2020 recognizing this as a critical time to activate high-level volunteers to increase volunteerism and donor dollars across our area. This group of 12-15 community leaders and business owners were responsible for over $6M of revenue, nearly 20 new Road To Recovery drivers, and two brand new healthy events to American Cancer Society since its inception.
- Co-established Taste of Hope: A Chefs Competition in West Michigan. On a goal of $100,000, we raised $240,000 and sold out all 500 seats our first year. This event has produced several strong relationships across the state. The success of this event inspired the Detroit Discovery Ball to pivot to Taste of Hope. Today, Taste of Hope: A Chefs Competition has exceeded $1.2M in revenue and is considered a growth property.
- Completed the ASPIRE Leadership Academy in 2025.
Timeline
Associate Director, Events
American Cancer Society
06.2022 - Current
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
03.2020 - 06.2022
Senior Manager, Development
American Cancer Society
07.2019 - 03.2020
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
05.2016 - 07.2019
Criminal Justice
Grand Rapids Community College
Biology
Calvin University
East Kentwood High School
Career Development
ASPIRE Leadership Academy | Class of 2025