Rich Merkel

About Rich Merkel

Forward Focused Program, Partnership, and Development Executive. Education advocate with a unique blend of program, fund development, and community relations experience. Significant volunteer, partnership, and donor cultivation resulting in expanded programs and impact. Utilization of strategic planning, community networks, team-building, and effective communication has yielded advancement of business goals.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Stem Forward

   Jun 2011 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Initiate and facilitate strategic planning process to align resources around key value proposition. Initial efforts yielded a streamlined program plan and key fundraising tools for board members.Lead board in new annual fund campaign design and implementation initiated upon arrival at organization. Create a process to engage board members in donor cultivation and solicitation, the donor base is on track to expand by 25%(as planned) for fiscal 2011-12.Manage significant data used for continuous improvement and decision making. Conducted due diligence and secured board support for new data management system to support effective fund development efforts.Facilitated and supported strategic partnerships with public schools, state /national advocacy groups and programs, and corporations to advance a collective vision and agenda for STEM Education regionally.Lead multiple public / private partnership efforts focused on STEM advocacy. Work with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, large/small corporate partners, school districts, and institutions of higher learning, FIRST, Project Lead the Way, and others to advance a collective strategic STEM vision for Southeastern Wisconsin.Direct and supervise team members in order to accomplish goals. Includes two paid employees and a significant volunteer base.Public speaker and spokesperson for STEM Forward and partnerships. Develop and maintain all marketing and public relations including significant partnership with the Milwaukee Business Journal. Prepare and present to various groups of stakeholders and potential STEM advocates.

Education

• Marquette University

  Bachelor's

  1984 — 1989

Skills

• Non-Profits
• Grant Writing
• Volunteer Management
• Community Development
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising