Gary Sinise Foundation
A top-rated 501(C)(3) Org. supporting veterans programs. Established in 2008 and currently maintains ~40 employees.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
2017-2019
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2009-2017
Highly successful tenure with the Foundation, working in cooperation with Founder Gary Sinise to build the organization from inception to more than 80,000 donors; received more than $155M in overall donations at present. Oversaw all organizational, legal, financial, technology and admin. requirements in preparation for formal 2011 launch. Responsibilities and selected accomplishments:
Key Accomplishments
Successfully executed plan/vision to build the national Veteran Service Organization (VSO), establishing and directing all Foundation programs/initiatives, and meeting/exceeding all annual objectives:
Achieved Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating within first 12-months of eligibility and perfect Financial Health, Transparency and Accountability scores by year two.
~$37M in 2018 donations, setting a Foundation record (the Foundation has raised $155M+ since inception).
Delivered 91.12% fund allocation directly to foundation Programs by effectively managing administrative and fundraising expenses (limited to only 8.88%), and developing/implementing high-impact funding strategies.
Increased operational efficiencies and improved donor reporting/budgeting/accounting; created Operations and HR departments, and oversaw CRM implementation and Payroll Processing transition (to ADP).
Drive community outreach and fundraising efforts, increasing revenue via grants, corporate sponsorships, direct mail & digital media campaigns, donations, planned giving and special events.
Ensured stellar organizational brand by cultivating strategic relationships, aligning campaign guidelines, and working with attorneys to mitigate risk and expand brand footprint. Collaborated with attorneys to remedy contentious non-profit partner separation and maintain Program integrity; involved years of negotiations.
Mentored/developed several staff members into senior-level roles. Implemented performance improvement and employee retention initiatives.
Led $1.192M 9-month exhibition project, overseeing all designers, construction contractors, developers and architects; delivered timely milestones within budget.
Generated $12M+ in revenue during 2-year period (2014-2016) while establishing $10.5M Board Designated Endowment by ensuring $14M+ estate gift with limited tax liabilities; oversaw trustee mediations.
Spearheaded 2-year effort (2012-2014) to secure rights to the “Lt. Dan Band”; worked closely with attorneys and Paramount Studios to resolve conflicts and mitigate risk.
Increased online donors and annual donations from 23K to 35K and $2.7M to $3.6M, respectively, by upgrading proprietary platform; increased donors to 38k and online donations to $15.3M during the next 4 years.
Primary Responsibilities
Executive leadership responsibilities include operations management, corporate and large foundation sponsor recruitment and development, program development, team leadership, strategic planning, investor relations, public/community relations, and fundraising:
Program sponsors include The Marcus Foundation ($10M+), The Home Depot Foundation (~$5M), Regal Cinemas ($200K+ $3M Advertising), Sunbelt Rentals ($2M+), Semper Fi Fund ($2M+), Dr Hans Peter-Wild, Bob Evans, Jos A Banks, Josh Cellars, Owens-Corning , NWFA, Broan-Nutone, Benjamin Moore, Core Brands, GE, National Wood Flooring Association, Mapei, Dentons LLP, Natural Stone and Verizon.
Served as Chief Fundraiser managing $36M annual budget. Travel frequently across the U.S.
Lead team of 9 direct reports (all department Heads, including Marketing and Communications); held recruitment responsibility.
Collaborate extensively with board members, Gary Sinise, and top donors (e.g. Marcus Foundation) to drive sponsorship and other targeted goals. Report to Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors.
Leveraged strong financial and analytical skills to help prepare tax returns, complete due diligence process, develop budgets, and prepare audits. Oversaw 2017 new program merger (Snowball Express into GSF).
Previous Experience
Home Loan Manager
Countrywide Home Loans
Southampton, NY
Managing Broker (2 promotions)
The Manhattan Mortgage Company
Southampton & East Hampton, NY
Successfully managed multiple offices, recruiting, training and directing staff while concurrently originating new business, cultivating networking relationships and managing daily operations. Held P&L responsibility.
VP, Branch Manager
American Home Mortgage Corp.
Southampton, NY
Early career in commercial & investment banking (prior to 1999) with Oppenheimer & Co., Ensign Bank, and the Tribeca Group; promoted from assistant to senior manager and then Senior Vice President.
Education, Professional Development & Affiliations
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Juilliard School
New York, NY
Certified Mortgage Specialist
Formerly held NASD (FINRA) Series 7 License
Member: Royal Academy of Dance
London, UK (passed exams to earn full membership)
Board of Directors Member
Parents League of New York
New York Executive Board Member
National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts
Director of Advertising
Parents League Reviews
Former Executive Director
Dances Patrelle (professional Ballet company)
Former professional ballet dancer