We Help Mission-Driven Organizations Grow Big Hearts

Scott brings decades of experience in nonprofit development and donor relations, helping organizations across the country build stronger relationships with their donors and develop sustainable fundraising programs. Through Big Heart Team, he has a special passion for helping small nonprofits gain the systems, tools and ideas they need to grow their support and further their mission.

When Scott's not hanging out with amazing nonprofits, he's actively involved in student ministry at Mississippi State University and enjoying his two favorite G's—grandkids and golf.

As a veteran of rescue ministry, I've served 25 years as a public relations and chief development officer for two large Midwestern rescue missions, and 20 years as a development and public relations consultant for dozens of ministries.

During those years, I've led successful PR campaigns, assisted ministries in overcoming negative publicity, spearheaded capital campaigns and facilitated board retreats to design strategic plans. But my real love is walking alongside new or evolving development teams to help them set, implement and reach their goals without burning out in the process!

I've been "in your chair" and that means I've lived the challenges and rewards a development leader experiences each day while raising resources to serve the most vulnerable in the community. I'm committed to teaching and training development leaders to build strong, successful and God-driven teams who are there for the long haul.

As a very busy "Oma" with 14 grandkids, I want to use the time I'm not with them to spread my many years of experience and knowledge with a few great rescue ministries who want to thrive. Does that describe you?

For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of helping nonprofits connect people's generosity with causes and communities they care deeply about. I've served in fundraising leadership roles with organizations across the country, working in major gifts, donor stewardship, annual giving, and planned giving.

Through all those years, one thing has remained constant: I believe fundraising is first and foremost about relationships. The best donor relationships aren't built around the next gift. They're built by listening well, understanding what matters to people, and helping them find meaningful ways to be part of a mission they believe in. When we get that right, generosity has a way of following.

That's what I love about this work. Whether I'm helping an organization strengthen its major gift strategy, build a legacy giving program, deepen donor relationships, or simply work through a challenge that has a team feeling stuck, I enjoy coming alongside nonprofit leaders and fundraisers to help them find a practical path forward.

When I'm not talking about donors and fundraising, there's a good chance I'm watching baseball or riding my bike. I'm on a quest to visit all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks – 23 down, seven to go. I also enjoy cycling and a few years ago rode across the state of Iowa in RAGBRAI. Needless to say, I'm always up for a good journey.