Founded in 1992, Bear Necessities provides holistic support to children and families affected by pediatric cancer through research-based programs such as Bear Hugs (dream experiences and special gifts), Family Support Services (financial relief), Counseling, the Hope Education Scholarship Program, and Bear Discoveries (research funding). As CEO, I oversee all core functions, leading a dedicated team to achieve impactful, measurable outcomes.• Secured the largest donation in the organization’s history in 2023 in partnership with the Founder, enabling the expansion of services.• Increased revenue by 35% over three years, reallocating a greater portion of expenses to direct services, which improved program delivery and strengthened stakeholder trust.• Led the Board of Directors in the development of a three-year strategic plan, aligning the organization’s goals with the most urgent needs of the community.• Launched two new programs within nine months, including the Counseling Program (in partnership with SamaraCare Counseling and Brightpoint Psychology) and the Hope Education Scholarship Program.• Developed and implemented program metrics to measure and report outcomes, resulting in $100K+ in new grant funding and positive community feedback.• Streamlined organizational operations by upgrading technology across finance, development, and program departments, eliminating redundancies, improving communications, and reducing operating costs.• Launched an employee retirement plan in 2022, enhancing employee morale and retention.

KING OF TORTS ACQUISITIONS (KOTA), LLC, Feb. 2019 - July 2021 • Co-founded KOTA, LLC and managed two residential rental properties in Illinois and Northwest Florida, overseeing all aspects of operations, driving a 100% revenue increase within a year through strategic marketing and client relations.BEACH STREET AGENCY, Feb. 2019 - Oct. 2022 • Founded Beach Street Agency to provide strategic support for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses.• Developed an outreach plan in collaboration with Tanya Pietrkowski of TP Strategies, helping secure funding for the Academy Award-winning film If Anything Happens I Love You, which focuses on school shootings and gun violence.• Wrote a prospectus and secured grant funding for renowned sculptor Jyl Bonaguro’s Modern Athena project, advancing the artist’s public art initiatives.ARTISTIC FUNDRAISING GROUP, Oct. 2019 - Oct. 2022• Collaborated with nonprofit leadership to set and implement strategic fundraising goals, streamline operations, and pivot programming during COVID-19, ensuring organizational resilience and sustainability.• Led key projects in strategic planning, board development, grant writing, and major and annual giving, helping organizations achieve sustainable growth. Clients included Albany Park Community Center, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, BoHo Theatre, David L. Hoyt Education Foundation, Downstage Arts, ProMusica Youth Chorus, Prop Theater, Theater Wit, and Uprising Theater.

La Rabida, located in Chicago’s South Shore community, provides care for children with complex medical conditions, disabilities, abuse, and trauma, offering services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The hospital’s private, contributed revenue budget exceeds $6M. As the individual giving expert on the development team, I spearheaded strategies to deepen donor relationships, surpass fundraising goals, and ensure sustainable growth. • Grew the Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) from 3 to 23 members, expanding the network and increasing impact. Increased CAB’s crowdfunding revenue by 768%, driving new support from diverse sources.• Built and launched a major giving program, establishing the infrastructure for future growth and strategic planning.• Led direct mail campaigns, boosting revenue by over 80% year over year.• Revitalized individual giving, improving donor cultivation and stewardship practices to drive a 50% year-over-year increase in contributions.• Laid the groundwork for a successful planned giving program, positioning the organization for future sustainability.

CYC is one of the largest public/private youth organizations in Chicago, offering a range of youth development programs across the South and West Sides of the city. As a key member of CYC’s leadership team, I played an instrumental role in developing and executing a five-year strategic plan, resulting in increased reach and impact.• Drove revenue growth by 10-20% annually over a four-year period, outpacing the national nonprofit growth average of 2-5%.• Secured $300K+ in new annual revenue by building strategic partnerships with major organizations such as ArcelorMittal, Bright Promises Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, ComEd, Field Foundation, Get in Chicago, GTCR, Motorola, NBC, Peoples Gas, Slalom, and Xerox, among others.• Increased grant support by 171%, individual giving by 48%, and event revenue by 39% over three years, diversifying and strengthening the organization’s funding base.• Secured the largest corporate donation to date in 2017 and the largest foundation donation to date in 2016, solidifying key relationships with major donors.• Led a comprehensive rebranding effort, overseeing the development of a new logo, tagline, core messaging, and website, enhancing CYC's visibility and community engagement.• Clarified CYC’s theory of change and impact framework, working closely with the CEO and Board to refine the organization’s evaluation methodology and better communicate its outcomes to stakeholders.

Co-founded and led a regional playwriting festival for Midwest community college students in partnership with Oakton’s Speech and Theater Professor Patti Interrante. Grew the festival from an internal event to a regional competition in just three years. Collaborated with student playwrights and edited their work for the stage.

Oversaw fundraising events that attracted nearly 1,000 constituents annually, generating 15-25% of the Foundation's revenue. Strengthened community and donor relationships, and managed a scholarship program that provided up to 500 scholarships. In partnership with the Executive Director, doubled the number of scholarships awarded within four years.

Collaborated with the Board and Executive Director to achieve fundraising goals. Played a key role in annual giving, resulting in only a 10% revenue decrease during the 2008-2009 recession (compared to the nonprofit sector’s average of 28%). Led the planning of the Foundation’s first black-tie event, the most successful fundraiser to date in 2007.

Developed and executed marketing strategies across print, radio, video, and online media. Contributed to campaigns that earned recognition from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR).

Collaborated with Loyola faculty to develop a three-credit internship course curriculum, integrating real-world application with academic rigor. Led a competency-based learning project for undergraduates, focusing on skill-building and professional development. Designed a comprehensive module on institutional organization and governance, enabling Loyola faculty to incorporate it into their internship courses, enhancing student learning and practical experience.

Led a dynamic creative team to elevate advertising strategies, driving a 60% increase in ad sales year-over-year. Collaborated with journalists and account executives to produce high-impact print and newspaper ads. Managed design staff, introducing new design, copywriting, and advertising techniques that enhanced client relations and boosted satisfaction. Improved design turnaround time from one week to three days, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency. Additionally, developed and executed the curriculum for Marquette's Urban Journalism Project, empowering Milwaukee high school students in low-income communities with journalism and communication skills.