Katy Walsh Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Clients include: Ashley Rountree & Associates, BCD Meetings and Events, Cabinet of Curiosity, Children's Home & Aid, Community Makery, Fordham University, French Heritage Society, Horizons, Kessel Strategies, KMAC Museum, Literacy Chicago, Pinnacle Health & Wellness Sports Nutrition, Trilogy.

Chicago, Il, Us

Managed the advancement team: communications, community relations manager, donor engagement, planned giving, graphic design, grant management, fundraising Provided leadership and coaching to an advancement staff to establish annual goals, monitor performance, and ensure key metrics are attained. Collaborated in the building of a vibrant network of major gift donors who feel connected to and supportive of the mission of OHU Oversaw marketing and communications efforts including oversight of all aspects of internal and external communications/storytelling Directed events and donor experience initiatives that drive philanthropic revenue, build greater constituent engagement, and foster a stronger culture of giving and volunteerism.Directed and coordinated public relations to position OHU as a thought leader in the child welfare sector and increase visibility on the local, state (Illinois and Florida) and national level.Managed consultants as assigned; including, but not limited to outside digital or print media, public affairs, government relations and platform technology. Identified, cultivated, solicited, and stewarded major donors and prospects to grow, strengthen, and nurture the donor base.Oversaw CRM platform to ensure optimal donor and prospect management, acknowledgement, cultivation and solicitation in providing accurate and in-depth analysis on fundraising campaigns. Developed and managed the annual fundraising and communications budgets and work plan; tracked and reported results to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership, and the Board of Directors

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Served on leadership team of a national healthcare network by providing KPI guidance on optimizing communications and funding opportunities during a global health crisis. Pivoted from in-person to two virtual national conferences (2020, 2021) serving on the leadership team overseeing production, programming, engagement and sponsorship.Cultivated and recruited sponsors to expand presence and contributions resulting in a 15% increase in conference sponsorship in 2021. Managed multiple government (HRSA, ONC, FCC) grant application processes to secure funding for research, quality improvement and telehealth projects. Collaborated with healthcare thought leaders as subject matter experts to conceptualize and research projects, (co)author proposals, and edit narratives to finalize grant submissions. Positioned organization for optimal visibility and accessibility by engaging marketing firm to revamp website, materials and online channels.Increased brand and digital performance for targeted audiences by translating complex healthcare ideas into digestible and sharable content.Supported executive communications for internal and external messaging in rolling out a new EHR business line (newsletters, press releases, slide deck, executive summary, fact sheet, FAQs). Developed fundraising strategies for new nonprofit to diversify revenue including annual campaign, private foundations and social enterprise.Served on the DEI, Team Building and Learning Management Systems committees.

Chicago, Il, Us

Oversaw all phases of rebranding (research, design, plan, test, launch) by engaging key stakeholders, conducting focus groups, managing cross-divisional task force, establishing and reinforcing guidelines, and executing a multifaceted 24-hours of live and virtual branding events. Developed and executed several national marketing campaigns, utilizing digital assets, social media, radio media tours, PSAs, press conferences. These multifaceted campaigns included;1-800-RUNAWAY: Collaboration with award-winning entertainer Ludacris. Branding on his video, interviews, news coverage, Grammy performance resulted in doubling hotline calls in 2007. Ludacris partnered with NRS to star in 3 PSAs.Why Do They Run?: Two city research study conducted by NORC on homeless and runaway youth combined with a trend analysis on NRS’ crisis connections. National Runaway Prevention Month: Annual event utilizing virtual and live events to engage and educate the public about the plight of runaways and youth in crisis. Managed 3 website overhauls by collaborating with UX/UI designers, crafting B2C webpages, producing ongoing, original content and analyzing metrics to optimize. Acted as change agent in developing strategic internal communication plans and supporting collateral for organizational announcements (new service lines, branding guidelines, staff transitions, benefits modifications, moving headquarters) to promote culture and vision. Served as senior copywriter and/or editor on organization-wide communiques (newsletters, policies, annual reports, curriculum, videos, PSAs, manuals, scripts, proposals, strategic plans, C-Suite/board correspondences)Authored grant proposals for multi-year funding (5-8 million), surpassed first-ever major gift campaign by 10%, and revamped event to decrease expenses from 50 to 10%.Managed team of specialists (digital, outreach, communications) and consultants (media, graphic design, research, website) in building assets.

On August 6, 2012, I started my blog about my journey to turning 50. It was a self-explorative examination. I mused on people and moments in the past and present that have influenced me. Turning 50 was a big milestone and I used the year and half for contemplation on the next chapters of my life. I bundled the blog into a book and released it (February 2016) right before my second book (April 2016).

Chicago, Il, Us

*Taught thirty courses on principles of communication that drive business interactions.*Instructed students in nonverbal communication techniques involving presence, body language and delivery.*Facilitated role-playing to practice communicating in interpersonal, small group, public and organizational context.*Evaluated oral presentations and written communiques for impact on target audience.

Chicago, Il, Us

This was a part-time position. I was responsible for all fund raising activities (grant writing, special events, donor cultivation and solicitation). During this time period, I also did freelance grantwriting for other npo's including Literacy Chicago and Horizons (aka Center on Halsted).

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Chicago, Il, Us

Master Of Science, Journalism & Public Relations

Bachelor Of Social Work, Social Work

Education record