Bennie Patterson
Member of Generation-Flux, Student of Social Change
- Role
- Senior Director, Marketing & Communications at United Performing Arts Fund
- Location
- Chicago, IL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Bennie Patterson
I am a mission-driven marketing and communications executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping brand narratives, leading digital transformation and driving growth across nonprofit, advocacy and arts organizations. My track-record spans major campaigns (such as a 1.5 M+ impressions advocacy initiative, a $9.1 M fundraising campaign) and leadership of cross-functional teams delivering high-impact storytelling, stakeholder engagement and brand repositioning.At my core, I believe that compelling storytelling + strategic data = organizational impact. I thrive in environments where purpose meets performance, helping change-makers elevate their voice, engage communities and convert brand momentum into measurable outcomes.
Experience
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Jan 2025 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US
Elevating Milwaukee’s performing arts through strategic brand leadership and community-driven storytelling.About the organization: United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is one of the nation’s largest united arts funds, supporting 14 Member and numerous Affiliate organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin.• Lead UPAF’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, uniting branding, PR, digital, and event promotion to power the region’s $9-10M annual fundraising campaign.• Built and mentored a high-performing marketing team responsible for UPAF’s brand visibility, donor engagement, and creative storytelling across multiple platforms.• Developed cross-channel campaigns that increased corporate and community engagement, resulting in stronger donor retention and measurable growth in workplace giving.• Spearheaded brand positioning initiatives and public messaging that reinforced UPAF’s leadership as the largest united performing arts fund in the U.S.• Collaborated with the CEO, board, and corporate partners to design campaigns and sponsorship activations that strengthened community trust and regional investment in the arts.• Oversaw the creative and production strategy for annual reports, campaign materials, and digital media that spotlight the transformative impact of the performing arts.
Education
Georgetown University
Urban Analysis & Community Development, School of Liberal Studies
Skills
- Event Planning
- Consulting
- Basic Html
- Leadership Development
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Program Management
- Youth Development
- Youth Leadership
- Social Networking
- Social Media
- Program Evaluation
- Youth Engagement
- Public Policy
- Community Outreach
- Community Development
- Non-Profits
- Community Organizing
- Program Development
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Nonprofits
- Volunteer Management
- Training
- Event Management
- Leadership
- Workshop Facilitation
- Coaching
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