linda flax cv updated 10-6-09

8/14/2019 Linda Flax CV Updated 10-6-09

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/linda-flax-cv-updated-10-6-09 1/10

Linda Hart DiMura Flax Hart,

C.F.R.E.507A Foxglove Circle; Sun City Center, Florida 33573 813. 633.0945

SUMMARY

Extensive fundraising, marketing and public relations background with proven results. Specialization in major gifts, capital campaigns and broad based fund development. Able to successfully identify and recruit volunteers, board members and develop strong partnerships at all levels of an organization. Committed to staff developmentand experienced in training, coaching and developing a team approach to management.

EXPERIENCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Make-A-Wish, Florida Sun Coast Office (Fired)Florida Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (Fired and arrested DUI while leaving

work function)Heartbeat International (Asked to resign)Snelling Recruiters (Asked to resign)

LifeLink Foundation, Inc. (Asked to resign) 2002-2006Director of DevelopmentSenior Leadership position of an organization that had no previous philanthropic activities or support. The

position reported directly to the President and to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Responsible for the

development and implementation of a comprehensive fund development program including annual giving, capital campaigns, major gifts, corporate giving, grant writing and special events. Responsible for the development of a

planned giving program. Served as the Chief Executive Officer for the LifeLink Legacy Fund, the philanthropicdivision for the LifeLink Foundation

Responsibilities:

• Served as the Chief Executive Officer for one of three divisions of LifeLink.

• Responsible for strategic planning and implementation of all philanthropic activities for LifeLink Foundation,LifeLink HealthCare Institute, and LifeLink Legacy Fund.

• Developed strategic direction and implementation of annual fund raising program. This included prospectidentification, donor cultivation, and solicitation of support from individuals, corporations and foundations.

• Designed and built the infrastructure to ensure fund raising success. LifeLink had no philanthropic database.Developed and created a database that currently has over 15,000 constituents. (Note: Database implementedwas Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge 7.0.)

• LifeLink Legacy Fund had a small Board of Directors consisting of six members that did not actively participate in the fund raising process. Developed the roles and responsibilities for the Board of Directors and personally recruited nine new Board Members that have brought a wealth of experience to the Board.

• Developed a full committee structure. Developed the roles and responsibilities for six committees andrecruited over twenty members of the committees who are active and productive. The committees include:



Executive; Finance and Investment; Board Development; Marketing and Public Relations; Programs; andIncome Development.

LifeLink Foundation, Inc. – Continued

• Developed opportunities for support and a case statement to define the organization’s need for philanthropic

support.

• Created the Investment Policy Statement and developed a Finance and Investment Committee that oversawall finance and investment activities for The LifeLink Legacy Fund. Recognized a change in investmentsfrom a 12% annual loss of revenue to a consistent 14% annual gain on investments over a 3 ½ year period.

• Developed an annual fund raising program that includes direct mail, tribute / memorial giving, special events,corporate giving, sponsorships, major gifts and grants.

• Over a 3 ½ year period, developed the annual giving program that realized an increase from $20,000.00 per year to $500,000.00 per year.

• Responsible for the development of a planned giving program and giving society, The LifeLink LegacySociety, responsible for over $175,000.00 in realized philanthropic funds received and over $2,500,000.00 in planned giving expectancies.

• Was charged with the conceptualization and development of an annual signature event. Developed “ASymphony of Life 2005,” a free community outdoor park concert that was held in conjunction with TheFlorida Orchestra and The University of Tampa. The mission was to raise the awareness of the need for organand tissue donation and the miracle of organ transplantation. The original goal for the event was $25,000.00.The event raised over $150,000.00 in its initial year and reached over 3 million households through marketingand public relations.

• “A Symphony of Life” has become an annual event. The event raised over $250,000.000 in its second year.

• Developed a grants program that included the active participation of physicians and immunology researchersthat developed extensive medical grants that were awarded over $250,000.00 in philanthropic support.

Currently there are over $450,000.00 in grants in progress.

• Wrote two grants to the Department of Health and Human Services for funds over $2,500,000.00. One grantwas approved for funding in the amount of $650,000.00.

• Developed the protocols, in conjunction with the physicians, nurses and coordinators, for LifeLink Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund that provides financial support to transplant patients, living donors, andtheir families. Financially managed the program that supported patients in need.

• Managed the real estate activities for the LifeLink real estate condominium project, located in SteamboatSprings, Colorado. Oversaw all operational, investment, rental and procedural activities for the property.

• Made multiple personal appearances representing LifeLink that resulted in philanthropic funds being realized.

•

Worked in conjunction with the LifeLink of Georgia team to design and build an operating suite.

• Researched, developed and submitted a proposal that underwrote the costs for the design, build and operationof the LifeLink of Georgia Operating and Recover Suite.

Linda Margo Hart, C.F.R.E.



Morton Plant Mease Foundation (Fired and escorted out of office by security guards) 2001 – 2002Vice President for DevelopmentSenior Leadership position of the $85 million Morton Plant Mease Foundation that supports the four-hospital Morton Plant Mease Healthcare System. The Foundation raises over $10 million each year for both capital and

program needs. The Vice President reports directly to the President and is responsible for strategic development and implementation of capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving including corporate giving and special events.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for strategic planning and implementation of all capital campaigns on four campuses of theMorton Plant Mease Healthcare System

• Responsible for the planning and implementation of the Mease Countryside Capital Campaign. (Goal: $11million)

• Strategic direction and implementation of annual fund raising plans. This includes prospect identification,donor cultivation, and solicitation of support from individuals, corporations and foundations. Responsible for

managing the fund raising process through Board Members, volunteer solicitor and professional staff

• Create an environment conducive to effective and efficient fund raising carried out systematically throughindividualized, strategic development plans complemented by special events and framed within a carefullycrafted communications plan

• Responsible for annual budget, donor recognition programs and societies, direct mail campaigns, and assuringaccurate processing and timely acknowledgement of all pledges and contributions

• Developed successful employee campaign that generated an increase over 20% from previous year

• Developed timeline, policies and procedures, Capital Campaign Cabinet, Campaign materials, namingopportunities and all collateral materials for the Morton Plant Mease Capital Campaign.

• Developed four distinctive prospect lists with ability and willingness assigned to each prospect

• Held prospect identification screenings

Watson Clinic Foundation, Inc. (Resigned) 1998 - 2001Executive Director

Responsible for the development and implementation of a broad-based fund development program. Developmarketing and fund development infrastructure. Plan, develop and implement a capital campaign. Develop acomprehensive marketing and public relations campaign.

• Initiated annual giving campaign with direct mail, tribute program, special events and employee giving

•

Organized and supervised feasibility study for Capital Campaign

• Planned, organized and implemented a $3.5 million Capital Campaign to build Lakeland Volunteers inMedicine Clinic, a volunteer run clinic that provides medical, dental and counseling care to the workinguninsured of the Lakeland area




Watson Clinic Foundation, Inc. - Continued

• Capital Campaign raised over $8.2 million dollars and an additional $1 million in in-kind gifts

• Developed and produced the campaign video which over 700 copies have been distributed to individuals,corporations, service clubs, foundation and houses of faith

• Developed all solicitation materials for campaign volunteers including handbooks, videos, power point presentations, hand-outs and supporting materials

• Trained volunteer solicitors including professionals, physicians, and community leaders

• Personally solicited top prospects for major gifts, resulting in gifts in excess of $4,445,000

• Wrote two Member Budget Requests for the Florida State Legislature

• Secured $1,250,000 in support from the Florida Legislature through cooperative efforts with members of theFlorida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate

• Worked with the Florida State Office of Management and Budgeting to develop and implement the approvedMember Budget Requests. Responsible for the adherence and reporting for the two project budgets

• Worked with a member of the United States Congress to propose $2,000,000 in Federal support

• Organized and developed a community Board of Trustees of 24 members

• Planned and organized 12 Board and Community sub-committees, for the Lakeland Volunteers in MedicineClinic, a project of the Watson Clinic Foundation

• Personally invited every member of the 12 committees to become involved

• Expanded education initiatives to include 7 – 10 annual community and physician education programs

• Managed the financial components for the Watson Clinic Foundation

• Provided strategic direction and implementation to develop a full and comprehensive fund development program

• Planned, developed and implemented a full Planned Giving Program including a special Planned GivingDonor Society, to recognize donors who have given through their estate or through a planned charitable gift

• Developed a donor constituency base of 17,500 individuals, corporations and foundations

• Supervised development of an organized public relations, marketing and advertising campaign utilizingelectronic and print media which has been awarded three Addy Awards by the Polk County AdvertisingFederation

• Received the American Medical Group Practice Association’s Humanitarian Award

• Nominated for the American Hospital Association Preeminence Award




The Tampa Bay History Center (Resigned) 1997 to 1999

Director of Development and Marketing Responsible for the development and implementation of a broad-based revenue generation program for ongoing annual support. Formulate program for $15-20 million capital campaign. Responsible for all marketing and

public relations activities of The History Center.

• Initiated annual giving campaign with membership, corporate underwriting, exhibition sponsorship, privatefoundation and government grant components

• Increased annual giving revenues by 12%

• Secured $17 million from the Hillsborough County for the Capital Campaign

• Developed new level of membership for annual giving realizing a 20% return of former major gift donors

• Increased Board of Trustees giving by 21%

• Elevated grant and foundation revenues by 72%

• Established formal corporate underwriting and exhibition sponsorship programs and secured first exhibitionsponsorships in the history of The Center

• Formulated and developed a direct mail program that resulted in a 24% increase in membership

• Published three soft cover books authored by the Historian in Residence

• Coordinated marketing and public relations activities for the three books published

The Lighter Company 1997 to 1998

Senior ConsultantWork with companies and non-profit organizations in creative communications, fund raising and development

projects. Specializing in major, large-scale events; major gifts; planned giving and capital campaigns.

• Initiated major gifts campaign for the Tampa Bay Research Institute, initial goal $350,000 in 60 days andtotal campaign goal of $5,500,000 in 2 years

• Worked with the Tampa Bay Research Institute to develop major gift prospects and solicitation plans

• Worked with the Tampa Bay Research Institute staff to plan and implement the Humanitarian Award Dinner which generated over $170,000, realizing a three-fold increase from previous year

• Developed the plan of action for the Tampa Bay Research Institute Capital Campaign

• Responsible for the Prevent Blindness Florida Person of Vision Dinner generating over 60% of stated goal,realizing over $140,000 in income.

• Provided counsel to Prevent Blindness Florida to develop the Annual Giving and Major Gifts initiatives

• Worked with the Florida Council on Economic Education to present two major events, the Tampa BayBusiness Hall of Fame Tenth Anniversary and the Florida Free Enterpriser of the Year. Events generatedover $300,000




American Cancer Society 1995 to 1997

Income Development Director, Annual Giving and Major Gifts Responsible for administration of the income development department including all special events, grantwriting,employee giving and other diversified income. Development of a major gifts program.

• Oversee all special events and work with volunteers to develop strong partnerships. Special Event revenuesincreased by 24% while decreasing direct and indirect expenses

• Worked with staff and volunteers to cultivate two donor auxiliaries resulting in over $275,000 annual income

• Responsible for increasing the income by 65% for the annual black tie gala

• Development of the first Major Gifts Program, including recruitment of Chairman and volunteers; namingand registering the program; securing artist to design logo, marketing team to create printed materials andsponsorship/underwriting of all costs; establishing goals and objectives, policies and procedures, recognitionand awards, solicitation methods, prospect identification, and volunteer solicitation training for the program.Continued through Phase II, including peer prospect identification and screening, active solicitation andcultivation, stewardship, recognition and social functions

•

Major Gifts Program, the Caritas Society, responsible for $78,000 income the first six months with multipleyear commitments secured that will result in an additional $312,000

• Received the Suncoast Signature Award from the National Society of Fund Raising Executives for the major gifts program, the Caritas Society for outstanding practices in philanthropy

• Integrated new major gifts campaign into annual giving program to generate increased revenue

• Worked with Planned Giving Department to increase planned gifts at the unit level by 39%

• Responsible for personal solicitation of major gifts

• Responsible for the supervision and training of two income development representatives and three supportstaff

Easter Seal Society of Pinellas and West Pasco, Inc. 1992 to 1995

Director of Development Responsible for income development department including special events, direct mail, major gifts, planned giving, grantwriting, employee giving, Telethon, budgeting and administration of department.

• Increased Annual Giving revenues by 26% in the first fiscal year and an additional 16% in the second year

• Doubled corporate revenues through the development of corporate sponsorships and a corporate major gifts program

• Established an Individual Major Gifts Program from concept to finished program including prospectidentification and research, donor solicitation, cultivation and tracking which resulted in a $74,000 the first

year with additional multi-year commitments

• Established Planned Giving Program responsible for over $175,000 in realized income in the first two yearsand over $325,000 in deferred income

• Increased Telethon revenues by 47% the first year and an additional 36% the second year




Easter Seal Society of Pinellas and West Pasco, Inc. – Continued

• Development of a Telethon Major Gifts Program

• Executive Producer of the 23 Hour Telethon. Responsible for coordination of all on-air personalities, guestsand volunteers; all phases of production including pre-taping, editing, on-air logs and live broadcast;coordinated phone banks, on-air interviews and income generating items. Received recognition from the

National Easter Seal Society for superior production. Telethon generated over $250,000

• Increase annual giving by 26% while decreasing expenses by 24% through major gifts and other diversifiedincome

• Developed team of 5 people responsible for $600,000 in contributed income annually

• Increased special events revenues by 32% while decreasing the number of events held annually

• Developed diversified revenue generation program which included employee giving, direct mail, specialevents, clubs and organizations, corporate giving, major gifts and planned giving

• Initiated Speakers Bureau responsible for increasing volunteers; establishing new revenues through clubs andorganizations; increasing income through corporate giving and special events

Shandra Fashion Boutique 1990 to 1992

Vice President and General Manager Responsible for managing two existing locations of upscale ladies clothing boutiques in addition to a start-uplocation in a Tampa Bay Mall. Manage operations including staffing, customer cultivation and contact, sales,marketing, public relations, purchasing and inventory. Successfully completed first year of operations realizing a

significant profit. Increased annual sales by 36%.

Print ‘N Go, Inc. 1986 to 1991

President and General Manager Responsible for management of a commercial printing production plant and satellite locations including customer

cultivation, management, sales, marketing, budgeting and preparation to open additional units. Increased annual sales by 52% in the first year and an average of 16% each subsequent year.

The Florida Orchestra 1990

Director of Development and Marketing, Florida Orchestra Week Responsible for all Development and Marketing activities of Florida Orchestra Week including sponsor acquisition, donor development, procurement of a challenge grant, public relations, media coordination, pressconferences and concert logistics that resulted in over $300,000 contributed income in the month of May 1990with tremendous increased exposure and public awareness.

The Florida Orchestra 1985 to 1986

Operations Assistant Director

Responsible for managing and supervising full time orchestra (66 full time musicians and 22 part time) and production personnel at all rehearsals and concerts. Coordination of logistics for State Tour inclusive of transportation, lodging and performances. Work on all phases of production, personnel, scheduling, payroll and

guest artist relations.




The Florida Orchestra

Acting Director of Education Responsible for grantwriting and administration including proposals to the Florida Endowment of the Humanities; Florida Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Arts in excess of $500,000; preparation and implementation of department budget; supervise and schedule 22 Youth Concerts, 210 Ensemblein the School Programs, Adult Lecture Series and Radio Broadcasts. Worked with the Education Committee and the Hillsborough County School System Music Department to develop and produce the Teacher Study Guide for use in all Hillsborough County schools.

University of Florida Symphony Orchestra 1983 to 1985

Orchestra ManagerWhile a full time University student, responsible for preparation and implementation of the annual giving

program, increasing the Orchestra’s contributions tenfold through grants and concert sponsorships. Successfullyobtained a grant to produce a concert of Vaughn Williams’ “A Sea Symphony” which still airs on Public

Broadcasting Stations throughout the United States. Management of orchestra personnel.

Gainesville Chamber Orchestra 1984 to 1985

Orchestra Manager

Responsible for organizing Annual Giving Campaign, telemarketing, special events and concert sponsorshipsresulting in increasing the income three fold. Prepared audience development campaigns that increased ticket sales/earned income two fold.

CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONMajor Gifs and Capital Campaigns

Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference Vancouver, BC 6/05Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (New Orleans, LA) 6/05Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (Ashville, NC) 6/02Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference (San Antonio, TX) 9/02Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference (Boston, MA) (3 days) 10/00Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (St. Petersburg, FL) (3 days) 6/00Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference (San Diego, CA) (3 days)10/99Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute (Madison, WI) (5 days) 7/99Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (Charleston, SC) (3 days) 6/99Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Teleconference on Non-Traditional Campaigns 3/99American Cancer Society National Development Conference with Judith Nichols (3 days) 1/96American Cancer Society National Major Gifts Conference with Judith Nichols (2 days) 10/95 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Annual Conference with Jerold Panas 11/96Soliciting Major Gifts with Jerold Panas (4 days) 5/94Research Techniques for Major Gifts 6/93Major Gifts Solicitation Program (2 days) 6/93Donor Records Procedures and Computer Software 4/93Major Gifts Program with Jerold Panas (4 days) 4/93 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Rountable on Capital Campaigns 2/93 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Roundtable on Major Gifts 1/93

Continuing Development Education – Planned GivingAssociation for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference Vancouver, BC 6/05Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (New Orleans, LA) 6/05Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute (Madison, WI) (5 days) 7/00Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference (St. Petersburg, FL) (2 days) 6/00Charitable Giving Symposium 5/98 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Planned Giving Round Table 8/97Estate Planning and planned Giving Seminar with Ford Thompson 5/97




National Society of Fund Raising Executives Planned Giving Seminar 5/97Planned Giving Seminar with Ford Thompson 11/96Tax Planning with Rex Meighen 10/96 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Planned Giving Conference with Scott Fithian 5/96American Cancer Society National Planned Giving Conference with David Dunlop (4 days) 5/95Planned Giving Seminar, Planned Giving Council 11/94 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Conference (Planned Giving) 10/94

Planned Giving Seminar with Russell Raker, ACFRE 9/94Robert Sharpe Planned Giving Seminar 9/94 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Planned Giving Seminar 7/94Gift Planning Seminar 1/93Robert Sharp Planned Giving Seminar 9/92

Development: Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Development Software Training – Advanced 9/2002Bckbaud Raiser’s Edge Development Software Training – Bassic 9/2002Outcome Measurement II: Practical Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting Methods 5/01 National Endowment for the Humanities Grantwriting Workshop 3/98Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Development Software Training - Advanced 2/98Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Development Software Training 2/98 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Annual Education Conference 11/97 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Capital Campaigns Round Table 10/97 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Round Table on the Case for Support 9/97American Cancer Society State Development Conference (3 days) 3/95 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Survey Course (2 days) 11/94Regional Conference for Senior Development Officers (Corporate Sponsorships) 9/92

Accounting: Blackbaud Accounting for Non-Profits Basic and Advanced Training (Charleston, SC) 12/00

Management: Baycare Total Quality Management 10/01Baycare Management Essentials 1/02

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONSBaptist Health Systems, Board Development Training 10/2002Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Regional Conference, Lecture, Volunteer Solicitation Training (NC) 6/02

Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference, Presentation on Capital Campaigns (TX) 9/02Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference, Lecture, Major Gifts (GA) 6/01Association for Healthcare Philanthropy National Conference Call Speaker, Capital Campaigns (Nationwide) 5/01Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference Roundtable, Major Gifts (MA) 10/00Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Conference Roundtable, Major Gifts (CA) 10/99 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Survey Course, Annual Giving Module (FL) 1997 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Round Tables, Major Gifts, Annual Giving (FL) 1996 and 1997 National Easter Seal Society, Annual Giving and Telethons (IL) 1995 and 1996American Cancer Society, Annual Giving, Special Events, Major Gifts (LA) 1995 and 1996American Lung Association, Diversified Annual Giving Program, Major Gifts (FL) 1997Ford Thompson, Planned Giving Conferences (FL) 1996 and 1997

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

National Society of Fund Raising Executives Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) 1/95 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Re-Certified 1/98 National Certification Board Re-Certified 10/01 National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Member 1991 to presentAssociation for Healthcare Philanthropy, Member 1998 to presentAssociation for Healthcare Philanthropy International Track Dean (San Antonio, TX) 9/02Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, International Conference Track Dean, (San Antonio, TX) 9/02Association f or Healthcare Philanthropy International Advisory Council (Chicago, IL) 9/02Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Track Dean (Chicago, IL) 2001Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Conference Cabinet (St. Petersburg, Florida) 2000




Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Regional Chair, Closing Event (St. Petersburg, FL), 2000 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Suncoast Chapter Board of Director 1995 to 1999 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Suncoast Chapter,

Vice President for Professional Development 1996 to 1999 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Suncoast Chapter, Chairman of Special Projects 1995 to 1998 National Society of Fund Raising Executives National Philanthropy Day, Chair 1995 National Society of Fund Raising Executives Annual Education Conference and National Philanthropy Day 1996

National Society of Fund Raising Executives Mentoring Program, Mentor 1993 to 2000

MENTORING ACTIVITIES National Society of Fund Raising Executives Mentoring program in annual giving, special events, major gifts,capital campaigns and planned giving

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIESLakeland Volunteers in Medicine, Medical Volunteer 2001 to presentTalbot House Ministries Medical Clinic, Medical Volunteer 1999 to presentTampa Bay Performing Arts Center Bravo Society Member 1998 to presentThe Oaks School Campaign Cabinet 2001 - 2004We Care of Polk County 2000 - 2001Good Shepherd Hospice of Mid-Florida, Inc., Mentor in Fund Development 1999 - 2001Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Volunteer in Exhibit Development 1999Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Inc., Volunteer in Fund Development 1999Lincoln Avenue Academy School Advisory Council, Member 1999Polk County Family Caregivers, Volunteers in Board Development 1999First Baptist Church of Lakeland, Member 1999 to 2002Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation 1996-1997Bay Area Civic Opera, Board of Director 1994Tampa Bay Ballet, Board of Directors 1994First Baptist Church of Tampa, Endowment Committee 1992Easter Seal Society of Florida Telethon Assistant Director and Producer (Pro Bono) 1982, 1983, 1989, 1990

EDUCATIONCertified Fund Raising Executive 1995 – present

University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida, Bachelors of Arts Degree, August 1985 1981 to 1985Eckerd College - St. Petersburg, Florida 1979 to 1981Shorecrest Preparatory School - St. Petersburg, Florida Class of 1979

References upon Request


linda flax cv updated 10-6-09

Documents