Sophia Fifner, M.S., Cfre Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area

Columbus, Oh, Us

Teaching the course "2150: Nonprofit Organizing for Diversity & Justice." This course explores the vital roles nonprofits play in advancing democracy, social capital, and civic engagement. Through readings, debates, and guest speakers, students will become informed stakeholders, understanding the diversity of nonprofit causes and how these organizations can promote justice and community involvement.

Columbus, Ohio, Us

Sets vision and articulates direction for Columbus Metropolitan Club’s missionBuilds organization’s reputation as a leading convener of civil discourse in Central Ohio togrow membership and innovate program delivery to reach larger, broader, and more diverseaudiencesAttracts and retains sponsors to invest in the organization’s missionImplements best practices for nonprofit management to support the long-term financial health of the organization Affirms the organization as the sought-after source of information about key community issues and civic engagement

Civic Wellness empowers corporate leaders to enhance company culture through strategic civic engagement. Founded by Sophia Fifner, we focus on building resilient communities and fostering meaningful connections. For more information visit www.civicwellness.co

Merrillville, In, Us

Serves as the Executive Director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation and leads the vision and activities of the organization, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations and requirements for private foundations.Leads NiSource's issues management function related to CSR by assessing reputational risks and opportunities. Be proactive in identifying strategies and trends that will drive the business and reputation. Elevate emerging issues where appropriate. Provide issues tracking and trend analysis for public affairs and lines of business. Serves as a strategic counselor in the development of NiSource's CSR report narrative and external storytelling.Serves as a spokesperson for NiSource with business and external media on CSR-related issues.Works with enterprise communications teams and public affairs leaders to identify, evaluate and develop strategic partnerships and initiatives that bolster corporate social responsibility impact internally and externally.Manages all aspects of company and employee giving campaigns and volunteer programs to ensure success both internally with employees and externally with the community.Collaborates with diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and employee resource groups to increase volunteerism and investment with organizations that advance economic inclusion and social justice efforts.

Merrillville, In, Us

Defines and drives internal and external communication strategy, including positioning, messaging, and engagement of 7,500 employees and nearly 4M customers across six states.Advises and supports CEO and senior executives on strategic messaging, channels, and delivery style to amplify ESG and CSR with publications such as MSNBC, Bloomberg, Forbes, Fast Company, and the Wall Street Journal.Develops and leads a team recognized as a center of excellence in all aspects of communications strategy and execution and brand and reputation management, including maintaining NiSource as a top-tier public utility company.Sets strategic direction for corporate social responsibility programs and serves as executive director of the NiSource Charitable Foundation, including managing a $7M budget, setting DEI policy, and establishing strategic direction for national employee and community engagement.Leads development of corporate-wide communication and issues management strategies, including managing the company's crisis communication plan and participating in proactive and reactive crisis management efforts.

Columbus, Oh, Us

Responsible for community relations on behalf of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Manages a team of 13 community relations professionals and leads the team’s approach to attract, retain, and grow nearly 150 corporate and athletic sponsors.Led 140% increase in media and press coverage during COVID-19 via crisis communications and stakeholder engagement strategy.Assists the Director & executive leadership team with strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting initiatives that guide the work of the department’s $100+ million operating & capital budgets.Established vision, strategy, launched, and served as interim Executive Director of high-profile Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3. Secured nearly $1million in private investments from the business community since initial launch.

Columbus, Ohio, Us

Implemented continuous improvement policies to restructure, modernize, and build a diversified development plan for the organization’s yearly program budget of roughly $5 million.Cultivated relationships with current and prospective individuals, corporations, and elected officials to build alliances and elevate I Know I Can’s exceedingly visible community profile to advance education equality within Columbus City Schools.Increased annual giving contributions by more than 50% via complete revamp of annual giving solicitation and stewardship strategies.

Columbus, Oh, Us

Managed local fundraising partnerships by actively working with nearly 100 national corporations like Walmart, RE/MAX, Speedway, and Marriott, which raised $2 million annually and amplified their corporate social responsibility goals.Executed special donor fundraising events with radio and television partners; increasing total fundraising impact by 10% - 60% within the first year of employment for top-line growth.Implemented and designed targeted cause-marketing campaigns to reach growing multicultural and Hispanic populations throughout Central Ohio and the surrounding 20 counties via radio, television, and social media campaigns.

Us

Led strategy and operations for Nationwide’s political giving program of roughly $2 million, focusing on employee solicitations, managing special events, instituting ongoing stewardship initiatives, and working with volunteer PAC ambassadors, executive sponsors, ELT, and CEO.Delivered executive communications and presentations to market the benefits of Nationwide’s political programs by writing relatable solicitations, which were distributed on behalf of the CEO, ELT, and senior leaders for the annual campaign.Coordinated and organized all logistical aspects of multiple quarterly grassroots teleconferences and in-person meet-and-greets with political candidates and celebrities in an effort to increase overall political engagement regarding data-driven business and policy solutions.

Us

Managed multiple high-volume tasks and action items regarding the executive candidate lifecycle including communication, branding, candidate experience, data management, and offer-letter development.Worked collaboratively and openly with all levels of internal staff as well as outside vendors to assist with Nationwide’s executive recruiting process.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Throughout the legislative process, managed up to 1,000 constituent inquiries, regarding issues like The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Drafted editorial columns distributed to local, state, and national media markets to strengthen constituents' understanding of legislative and mainstream public policy issues.

B.A., Organizational Communication

M.S., Marketing & Communication