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Lisa Weisman
Professional Background
Lisa K Weisman, MBA, CFRE, brings a wealth of experience in non-profit development and organizational management to her professional endeavors. With a remarkable track record of exceeding fundraising goals, Lisa has honed her abilities to secure and maintain diverse income sources, ensuring economic sustainability for the organizations she supports. Her areas of expertise include major and individual giving, grant writing, special events management, and budget development and implementation. A strong advocate for non-profit branding and mission-focused initiatives, Lisa’s strategic approach is complemented by her effective communication skills, enabling her to successfully convey organizational missions and garner support.
As the Regional Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross, Lisa plays a pivotal role in steering fundraising initiatives across various platforms, leveraging her significant experience to lead teams of diverse volunteers and staff. She is adept at recruiting, training, and mentoring staff, ranging anywhere from two to twenty individuals, providing unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance to help them achieve organizational goals.
Education and Achievements
Lisa holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management and Strategic Marketing from Concordia University-Wisconsin. Her educational foundation is bolstered by dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and English from the University of Wisconsin, equipping her with a unique combination of analytical and communication skills highly applicable to the non-profit sector.
Throughout her career, Lisa has accumulated notable experience in various leadership roles. Beyond her current position, her previous appointments include:
- Director of Mission Advancement at Concordia University-Wisconsin
In this role, she was instrumental in advancing the university's mission through strategic fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives. - Senior Director of Development at United Performing Arts Fund
Here, Lisa was responsible for driving fundraising initiatives to support the arts, showcasing her versatility across different sectors of non-profit work. - Director of Campaign and Corporate Development at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Wisconsin Chapter
Her leadership in this organization helped secure key partnerships and contributions that aided those affected by blood cancers. - Founding Executive Director at Best Buddies International, Wisconsin
Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she laid the groundwork for this important organization, dedicated to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lisa’s extensive board experience includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors at the Association of Fund Raising Professionals SE WI Chapter, where she contributed to the professional development and advancement of fundraisers in the region.
Strengths and Professional Attributes
Lisa is known for her exceptional communication abilities, which enable her to connect with prospective donors, clarify organizational missions, and inspire collaboration among team members. As a dynamic ENTP personality type, she thrives in environments that encourage innovative thinking and adaptability, allowing her to navigate the ever-changing landscape of non-profit development with ease.
Her StrengthsFinder assessment reveals that her primary themes—Intellection, Achiever, Communication, Adaptability, and Strategic—further underscore her skill set. These characteristics empower her to think critically about problems, set clear goals, articulate ideas effectively, and pivot as needed to accommodate new challenges.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Lisa has been recognized for her significant contributions to the organizations she has served, often exceeding expectations and fundraising benchmarks. Her specialized skills in grant writing have resulted in numerous successful proposals, leading to substantial financial support for critical programs and initiatives within the organizations she represents. Additionally, Lisa has successfully orchestrated large-scale special events that not only raised funds but also heightened awareness of the missions at hand.
With a keen eye for budget development, Lisa excels at not just increasing revenue but also cutting costs—demonstrating her comprehensive understanding of financial management within the non-profit realm. Her commitment to nurturing and recruiting volunteers has played a vital role in building robust support networks that contribute to each organization's ongoing success.
In summary, Lisa K Weisman is a highly accomplished professional with an enviable track record in non-profit development and management. Her unique blend of education, experience, and personal attributes positions her as a leader in the sector, making remarkable contributions to the organizations she serves and significantly impacting the communities they support.