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David Russo
Senior Director of Planned Giving at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Professional Background
David Russo is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in retail operations, management, and fundraising, primarily within the gourmet food and wine industry. His extensive knowledge of Italian imported specialty foods has served as a foundation for his successful career. Notably, he was showcased as a wine and cheese mentor on the television show "Thirty Days," highlighting his expertise and passion for gourmet cuisine.
Transitioning into the nonprofit sector, David currently holds the position of Senior Director of Planned Giving at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. In this pivotal role, he aims to inspire the Silicon Valley community to strengthen families and build economic self-sufficiency through planned giving initiatives. David's commitment to philanthropy is underscored by his desire to give back to the community, as he continues to promote charitable giving and legacy building.
Before joining Catholic Charities, David served as the Director of Estate and Gift Planning at the American Cancer Society. His efforts contributed significantly to alleviating the pain and suffering caused by cancer by engaging donors and ensuring funds were allocated effectively to vital programs and research. His journey in planned giving commenced at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, where he played a key role in a variety of initiatives that advanced the goals of local philanthropists.
In addition to his fundraising expertise, David has a wealth of experience in donor cultivation and stewardship. He has been instrumental in developing marketing strategies, creating educational presentations, and providing illustrations that demystify planned giving for potential donors. His involvement in designing and implementing a charitable gift annuities program has further solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable leader in the field.
Education and Achievements
David Russo began his academic journey at San Jose State University, where he studied Liberal Arts with a focus on Western Humanities. This educational background has undoubtedly equipped him with the critical thinking and communication skills that are essential in his work, particularly in the nonprofit sector.
Throughout his career, David has held various positions that cumulatively contribute to a diverse skill set, including:
- Senior Director of Planned Giving at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, focusing on developing effective giving strategies.
- Director of Estate & Gift Planning at the American Cancer Society, where his leadership helped funnel resources to crucial programs and initiatives.
- Planned Giving Associate as well as Executive Assistant at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, where he gained firsthand experience in donor engagement and charitable giving.
- General Manager at A.G. Ferrari Foods, and managing roles at Palo Alto Coffee Roasting Company and Caffe & Company of Stanford, contributing to his deep understanding of retail operations and management in the gourmet food sector.
David’s vast experience in various roles positions him as a reputable figure in both the gourmet food industry and the nonprofit sector.
Achievements
David Russo's career is marked by numerous achievements, each of which has left a lasting impact on the organizations he served. Here are some of the key highlights of his work:
- Television Appearance: His feature on the television show "Thirty Days" as a wine and cheese mentor showcased his expertise and dedication to gourmet foods.
- Senior Leadership Role: As the Senior Director of Planned Giving at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, David actively works toward improving economic self-sufficiency and community support through innovative planned giving strategies.
- Impactful Donor Relations: At the American Cancer Society, David facilitated connections between donors and the organization’s mission, ensuring that contributions directly supported critical cancer research and patient care initiatives.
- Comprehensive Planned Giving Program Development: While at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, he led initiatives that encompassed various planned giving vehicles while teaching classes on marketing complex gift assets, which greatly contributed to community engagement.
- Program Implementation: David has successfully designed and implemented a charitable gift annuities program, fostering long-term financial support for essential charitable causes.
With a career grounded in philanthropy, David Russo continually seeks to further his mission of helping individuals fulfill their charitable goals and leave lasting legacies through planned giving. His passion for the community, combined with his extensive skill set, makes him a valuable asset in the fields of nonprofit fundraising and community development.
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