Q: Tell the Impact Fund community a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Southeast Wisconsin, and I lived in Milwaukee most of my life. Since I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, my entire professional career has been in helping organizations I care about thrive through fundraising. While I spent most of this time in higher education, these last five years with National Review Institute have been enriching since I’ve been able to work with so many folks who are supporting the ideas that will advance this nation. My wife and I have two teenage girls, and we love to head up to our place in northern Wisconsin to hunt and fish.
Q: What are you seeing in center-right philanthropy that is most promising? What is the biggest threat?
I’m most encouraged to see the success of state policy groups and the growth of donor networks that are using their philanthropic power to support those making vital changes at the state level. It’s exciting, too, to see these policies be embraced more widely. The growth of states offering financial options to support the expansion of parental choice is just one example. And I’d say the greatest threat is still the movement against donor privacy, where there’s increasing pressure to strip the right of donors to remain anonymous. Philanthropists shouldn’t fear any backlash for supporting the organizations they believe in. This is why Donor-Advised Funds like the Impact Fund are so important.
Q: What interested you about working with the Bradley Impact Fund?
Living in Southeast Wisconsin, it’s impossible to miss the impact the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation has had on so many civic institutions. The Foundation’s legacy has been so profound in the conservative movement and here in Milwaukee. And I’ve worked with a number of donors in previous positions that give through their Impact Fund account, so I’m familiar with its mission and the good work it does. The Impact Fund has carved out an important niche in philanthropy by aligning donors with the worthiest and most impactful conservative organizations.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Honestly, I’m looking forward to continuing to connect donors to great organizations around the country. I’ve made a lot of friends in state policy groups over the last few years, so I have a strong handle on the great work being done in this space. It will be rewarding to help to promote the important work in which these organizations are engaged.