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Biography

Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, and raised in Hanover, New Hampshire, Laine Seaton is the Development Officer for Child & Family Resources, a statewide organization, based in Tucson, that helps low-income children and families to succeed through early childhood education and development. Laine manages CFR's development efforts in the Phoenix-Metro region.

Prior to Child & Family Resources, Laine has worked in fundraising for numerous nonprofits including Phoenix Rescue Mission, the Environmental Fund for Arizona, the Sonoran Institute and Valley of the Sun United Way. She also served as an Account Executive with the Grizzard agency, a Los Angeles fundraising and marketing firm that assists nonprofit clients in direct-mail, print and broadcast advertising, and web marketing.

Her background also includes work in book/magazine publishing for companies including Harper Collins and GTS Graphics,  and freelance writing for print and online publications.

Laine has been a volunteer with numerous organizations, assisting with fundraising, communications, PR, special events, and strategic planning. Organizations include: Habitat for Humanity, Save The Family Foundation, Friends of Public Radio, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Phoenix Chapter.

She has served as the VP of Communications on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter, Board President of the Friends of Sonoran Desert National Monument, and is a member of the Desert Botanical Garden Monarch Council. She currently serves on the Communications Committee for the Phoenix chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

A lover of travel, Laine has spent time both in Europe and Asia, studying French at the Sorbonne University in Paris. She lived in Chigasaki, Japan from 1994-1999 teaching English as a Second Language. Laine speaks French and Japanese, and loves to learn new languages. She lives in Phoenix with her husband Chris and their three “kids,” Shep, Zoey and Nixie.

Core Expertise

  • Organizational Development
  • Project Management
  • Writing/Marketing/Communications/PR
  • Fundraising
  • Strategic Planning
  • Networking/Relationship Building

Professional Recommendations

"Laine Seaton knows how to build a professional organization from the ground up. I have observed her sharply honed organizational and people skills pay off in a big way while working with her as a fellow founding board member of the Friends of the Sonoran Desert National Monument, where she headed up the recruitment and hiring process for the selection of the executive director. She takes the initiative, dedicates herself to helping the team achieve success, and is, invariably, the one to count on to get the important things done right. Plus, she uses her invaluable ability to connect with a wide variety of personalities to reach consensus while having fun in the process."

Matt Kalina, Director of Strategic Marketing, LAI International, Inc.________________________

"Laine is self-motivated and creative, which she uses to great advantage in representing the Environmental Fund for Arizona for the benefit of its member organizations and the conservation/environmental arena. Her personal energy and attention to detail has solidified the foundation of the EFA even while carrying it forward in an optimistic and assertive way. On a more personal level, I enjoy the honesty and optimistic outlook Laine brings to her relationships."

Ryna Rock, President, Arizona Wildlife Federation

________________________"I have been very impressed at how quickly Laine has taken on the job of reorganizing and getting EFAZ moving. She has put together an exciting packet of information for employers describing the benefits of adding EFAZ to their employee giving campaign. She has also worked on some innovative ideas to involve her member organizations in promoting EFAZ in their communities as well.

In addition, Laine has exhibited a gracious willingness to collaborate with other federations in sharing ideas and thoughts regarding workplace giving. I look forward to watching this rising star begin to really shine!"

Ed Marek, Executive Director, MInnesota Environmental Fund_________________________ “I have worked with Laine as a fellow board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter.

I've found her to be laser focused and task oriented. Since our first strategic planning session, I have always looked forward to our collaborations. I know that whatever projects she takes on will be thoughtfully planned, completed on time and within budget, and always the highest quality. She's also a pleasure to be around.” Ben Powers, Principal, Powers Young & Company_________________________"Laine and I work together as volunteers on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter Communications Committee. I can easily say how valuable Laine is to the group. She is always eager to pitch in and take on responsibility. She has excellent skills in communications and development and will always be an asset to any organization in which she is involved."

Elaine Fogel, President and CMO, SOLUTIONS Marketing & Consulting LLC_________________________"Laine Seaton is the consummate professional and is extremely knowledgeable. Given any task, she follows through with a detailed plan of action. As VP of the AFP Greater Arizona Chapter Communications Committee, she moved the chapter's communication strategy to a new level. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work side by side with her. Always reliable, Laine follows through on her commitments and projects with never a ruffled feather. She can do it all and do it well."

Belen Herner, Board Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater AZ Chapter__________________________"Laine is an exceptional person, who brings exceptional commitment and excellence to her work. She sure did with our chapter, leading and responding to so many requests and growing demands for greater marketing, promotion and channels of communication. She helped strengthen our brand considerably and has made a huge difference in the level of excellence required for strong communications with a positive return."

Sue Gaub, CFRE, 2011 President, AFP Greater AZ Chapter_________________________

"As VP of our Communications Committee Laine does not delegate responsibilities, but has rather built a team of individuals that work together to complete projects. I was immediately impressed with how she organized new committee members and established strong connections with other chairs. Her direction and professionalism has played a major role in expanding AFP's presence within our membership and our community. Laine is truly a pleasure to work with and would be a strong leader for any organization."

Michael Simoni, Member, AFP Greater AZ Communications Committee__________________________"Laine has displayed extraordinary leadership and commitment as a board member and president of the Friends of the Sonoran Desert National Monument (FSDNM). She has traveled extensively on behalf of the FSDNM to attend nationally organized conferences and workshops to learn about

non profit conservation advocacy and management. In addition she has been an effective leader in organizing the FSDNM's board of directors and setting up board subcommittees. She has also taken the lead to make sure the FSDNM implements its strategic plan and other operational goals. I am looking forward to working closely with Laine in leading the FSDNM to many years of successful natural and cultural resources efforts." - Thom Hulen, Executive Director, Friends of Sonoran Desert Nat'l Monument.__________________________“I've worked closely with Laine as VP of the AFP Communications Committee. She did a fantastic job! She put systems in place to keep her committee on track, provided excellent PR for the chapter and our events and escalated the processes of this committee. She is pleasant and so easy to work with. Laine has terrific ideas and when given an opportunity, she makes everything she works on better than it was before her!” - Karolyn Kiburz, Chapter Administrator, AFP Greater AZ Chapter

Major Interests

  • Organizations and companies focused on social, environmental, and economic impact
  • Collective Impact
  • Global Social & Economic Issues
  • Conservation
  • Sustainability
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Foreign Countries, Cultures, and Languages
  • Community Development
  • International Relief

Notable Results Produced

Organizational Development

  • Created and led new Account Support Team for account executives to streamline operations.
  • Created and implemented EFAZ's strategic plan, achieving 90% of goals in 24 months.
  • Created value surveys and led focus groups to help guide branding, positioning, messaging, and strategic planning.
  • Identified and recruited key prospects to Board of Directors. Greatly improved group dynamic, effectiveness and commitment. Formed board committees for fundraising and strategic planning.
  • Recruited and managed volunteer teams for communications and business development.
  • Led annual regional meetings with NGO partners statewide.

Business Development

  • Through new branding, communications, and networking, grew constituent base from zero to over 800 supporters in 24 months.
  • Grew corporate and government partnerships by nearly 60%. New partners include City of Phoenix, City of Tempe, Raytheon, Boeing, and DMB Associates, among others.
  • Helped increase the revenue of City of Phoenix's EFAZ campaign by 275%.
  • Built relationships and secured funding from companies including National Bank of Arizona, Southwest Gas, and First Solar.
  • Developed entire portfolio of business presentation collateral in print and online.
  • Created a Green Perks Program for added value, securing affinity partnerships with 25 companies and organizations.
  • Conceived and led Campaign Roundtable training sessions for corporate & government partners.

Project & Event Management

  • Successfully managed extensive, complex projects for trade/textbooks, magazines, and direct-mail campaigns, working with creative teams, freelancers, editors, and print vendors.
  • Successfully executed special projects including AFP Greater Arizona Chapter's new website, membership directories, and member surveys.
  • Successfully produced EFAZ's 10th Anniversary Celebration Event, AFP's 50th Anniversary Event, and helped plan events for Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Public Radio, Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America, among others.

Marketing/Communications/PR

  • Conceived and led new brand development for EFAZ. Developed all new communications, marketing collateral, presentation materials, website, and social media.
  • Grew unique monthly website visitors from 73 to 900, an increase of 1,133%.
  • Secured local and national PR coverage via print, online, radio, and TV.
  • Wrote and recorded radio spots and appeared on radio and TV programs.
  • Built solid relationships with Arizona's sustainability and nonprofit media.
  • Successfully led AFP Greater Arizona's Communications Committee, promoting chapter events and benefits to internal & external audiences.
  • Managed all marketing, communications, and PR for the AFP Arizona State Conference 2013.
  • Session speaker at the AZ Recycling Coalition/AZ Public Works' Annual Conference 2011.

Fundraising

  • Led the growth of City of Phoenix's EFAZ campaign revenue by 275%.
  • Supported the direct-mail fundraising campaigns of 25 rescue mission clients nationwide.
  • Wrote numerous successful fundraising appeals in print and online for various nonprofits.
  • Developed EFAZ's first fundraising program for operating support.
  • Created a Matching Challenge Campaign, a Monthly Giving Program, Major Giving Program, and Corporate Giving Program with distinct branding and donor benefits.
  • Led the United Way campaign at Arizona State University, surpassing their goal to nearly $600K.
  • Led EFAZ past the $1M mark in workplace giving donations to date.
  • Secured nearly $20,000 in cash and in-kind sponsorships from EFAZ's first signature event.

Foreign Languages

French - Working intermediate

Japanese - Working intermediate

Awards & Certifications

    CFRE Certification - December 2014

    AFP President's Award 2011

    AFP Professional Fundraising Mentoring Program Certificate 2011

    The Japan Times TESL Certificate 1995

    Sorbonne University Diplome de Francais 1990

    Marketing & Communications

    Featured Guest Appearance

    Laine Seaton CV

    Website Projects Led & Managed

    Work experience

    May 2015Present

    Development Officer

    Child & Family Resources

    Responsible for growing brand awareness and philanthropic support for CFR in the Phoenix-Metro region.

    Jul 2013Jul 2014

    Development Communications Specialist

    Phoenix Rescue Mission

    Managing the marketing/communications for fundraising/development.

    May 2009Jun 2013

    Executive Director

    Environmental Fund for AZ

    Grew a 28-member, statewide nonprofit alliance from primarily a re-granting organization into a major resource for environmental education, volunteerism, and financial support. Enhanced EFAZ’s value as a community partner and resource for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Collaborated with public/private stakeholders to support a more sustainable and economically vibrant Arizona. Brought organization to the next stage of maturity in terms of branding, positioning, strategic visioning & planning, infrastructure, board development, fundraising, marketing, communications, community awareness, and relationships with member groups, corporations, government, and the media. Significantly improved operational excellence, board relations & commitment, brand presence, added-value member services, donor engagement and financial support.

    Jan 2008Dec 2008

    Development Manager

    Sonoran Institute

    Worked with a newly-established development team across five Western U.S. states. Responsible for donor cultivation and acquisition in Phoenix-Metro and Flagstaff areas. Managed a portfolio of 500 prospects and donors for qualification, cultivation, & solicitation. Total donor gifts rose 148% in 12 months. Wrote/designed several direct-mail appeals including annual staff, spring, challenge grant, year-end, and major donor. Helped coordinate annual fundraising event.

    Oct 2006Oct 2007

    Account Executive

    Park&Co

    Managed complex marketing campaigns for public and private sector clients in government, finance, utilities, retail and non-profit industries. Developed comprehensive client communication plans detailing situation analysis, competitor profiles, target audiences, challenges/opportunities, unique selling proposition, and campaign goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics. Participated in client branding sessions, naming/logo creation, URL research, creative concept meetings, and client presentations. Collaborated with creative, production, and management teams to oversee projects and ensure that campaign budgets and creative parameters were met.

    Sep 2005Feb 2006

    Account Executive

    Valley of the Sun United Way

    Term of project position. Recruited as one of 40 Loaned Executives to lead 800+ United Way workplace giving campaigns across Maricopa County for their fall 2005 campaign season.Responsible for managing Arizona State University's United Way campaign. Raised $597,000, exceeding their goal by nearly $30,000. Conducted presentations, collaborated with United Way staff on campaign progress, challenges, and successes.

    Aug 2002Aug 2005

    Account Manager

    The Grizzard Companies

    Created new role as Account Manager, supporting direct-mail fundraising campaigns for Rescue Mission client nonprofits nationwide.  Coached, trained and led a team of Account Coordinators; developed work plans, short/long term goals and processes improving team performance.

    • Successfully managed direct-mail fundraising campaigns of 26 rescue missions nationwide generating $12M in charitable donations annually. Collaborated with Design, Production, Media, and freelancers in each stage of campaigns.
    • Facilitated team participation and evaluated/realigned position responsibilities establishing an Account Executive focus on client sales and service while Account Coordinators managed administration duties. Improved team communications, trust, performance, client focus and accountability.
    • Initiated and led team newsletter program and trained Account Coordinators in managing these projects for their clients. Newsletter grew from 8 to 18 participating clients generating $566,000 in agency revenue and $2M in client donations.
    Jun 1999Nov 2001

    Account Coordinator

    GTS Graphics

    Successfully managed trade and textbook projects ranging from $5K to $100K+.

    Collaborated with Creative, Production, Media, editors, art agencies, and freelancers to take projects from manuscript, production, through pre-press output. Consistently met clients' cost, quality, technical, and scheduling expectations. Worked with clients including Addison-Wesley, McGraw-Hill, and Harcourt Brace, and Benjamin Cummings.

    Jan 1995Apr 1999

    ESL Instructor

    Sun Life Co.

    Taught conversational and business English to groups of 20+ and private students at all ability levels.  Greatly improved student language competency by careful needs assessment and customized course curriculum. Gained a working ability of spoken and written Japanese.

    Jun 1993Jun 1994

    Production Coordinator

    Harper Collins Publishers

    Managed the production of 100 first-print trade books annually. Worked with editorial and design teams.

    Negotiated schedule and production changes with national and international text and cover contractors including Banta, RR Donnelley, and Courier.

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