Category: Our Associates

Kim West

Post author By mturner
Post date May 30, 2023

Executive Associate

Kim West is a strategic and compassionate leader with over 30 years of experience driving impactful change across global NGOs and the private sector. Her expertise spans governance, organizational development, program strategy, and volunteer management, with a track record of transforming teams, securing multi-million-dollar funding, and leading inclusive initiatives across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the UK. As a consultant, Kim has advised organizations such as CHRI, DAI Global, and the Danish Refugee Council, delivering solutions in governance, reintegration, and strategic planning. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at African Initiatives, United Purpose, and VSO International, where she advanced inclusive education, gender equality, women/girls, indigenous communities and youth economic and social empowerment. Kim also brings valuable private sector insight from earlier leadership roles at TD Financial Group, Kraft Foods, and Sun Life Financial. She is known for her adaptive leadership, commitment to social justice, and ability to align mission-driven work with measurable outcomes.

Area of Expertise:
Kim’s predominant areas of expertise is in Strategic Planning, Program Management and Board training, Management and Governance. She also has extensive expertise in Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies. Donor and Constituent Engagement; and International Fundraising.

Experience:
International Development

Fundraising Must Have:
Successful international fundraising must be informed by donor priorities and the competitive landscape. It should clearly establish the organisation’s legitimacy and credibility, present a well-defined program of work grounded in a logical Theory of Change, and include measurable outcomes that demonstrate both impact and value for money.

America Associates Our Associates

Kate Sheehan

Post author By mturner
Post date March 27, 2023

Executive Associate

With almost 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kate Sheehan is a seasoned fundraising and institutional advancement expert, with almost half her career spent at Northwestern University, where she rose through the ranks to serve as Director of Principal Gifts, followed by seven years as Senior Director of Development, Presidential Activities, supporting the university President in all fundraising work and serving as the liaison between the president’s office and the 300-member Alumni Relations and Development department.

Kate’s experience also includes five years as the Vice President, Principal Gifts for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She has served in senior roles with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Art Institute of Boston, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Kate graduated from Indiana University/Bloomington with a BA in English. She holds certificates from University of Chicago and Advancement Resources and is the 2008 recipient of the Garfield Award (Northwestern University).

Area of Expertise: Kate’s predominant expertise is in Major and Principal Gifts. Kate also has extensive experience in Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning, Board Training, Management and Governance, Planned and Legacy Gifts, Project Management, and Institutional Advocacy.

Experience: Education, Arts & Culture, International Development

Fundraising Must Have: A donor-centric mindset.

Canada Associates Our Associates

Roberto Rafael IV Cabrera

Post author By mturner
Post date February 22, 2023

Junior Associate

As a Junior Associate, Roberto L. Cabrera IV serves as the firm’s Proposal Project Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator, driving community engagement and impactful nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives.

Cabrera is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Management with a minor in Environmental Law & Policy at the University of Toronto, complemented by coursework in Sustainable Cities at Johns Hopkins University. His background in economics and urban planning equips him with the analytical and strategic skills necessary to support the firm’s mission effectively.

Cabrera’s experience includes founding the Revitalize Project, an initiative that raised funds for medical and school supplies through tote bag sales; interning as a Building Administrator for a commercial property in Southeast Asia, where he managed tenant relations and operations; and conducting research on sustainable city development and economic growth.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Cabrera thrives under pressure, embracing multiple responsibilities with grit. Inspired daily by his grandfather’s words, “Enjoy life,” he approaches challenges with determination and positivity, finding meaning in every step forward.

Area of Expertise: Roberto Rafael IV’s predominant expertise is in Project Management. He also excels in data analytics, marketing, communications, and digital engagement.

Experience: International Development, Community Based Membership and Advocacy

Fundraising Must Have: Recognition that even a small contribution can yield a profound impact and can lead to ever increasing levels of engagement and philanthropic commitment.

America Associates Our Associates

Rex Fuller

Post author By mturner
Post date July 28, 2022

Associate

Please meet Rex Fuller, an Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc., who brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Rex is a seasoned fundraising strategist whose expertise spans large-scale campaigns, annual giving, strategic planning, and direct marketing. He is known for his ability to unite stakeholders around bold goals, elevate organizational visibility, and deliver measurable impact.

Rex’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing equity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. As Chief Executive Officer of The Center on Colfax, he led the development of two comprehensive three-year strategic plans, expanding services to include free mental health programs, disability initiatives, and young adult programming. Rex successfully navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, creating innovative virtual programming, including the first televised “virtual pride parade,” and spearheaded high-profile initiatives such as Stonewall 50, a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

Previously, as Vice President of Communications and Corporate Giving at The Center, Rex expanded corporate partnerships, oversaw brand transformation, and launched a new online information hub for the LGBTQ+ community. His leadership extended to producing Denver PrideFest, which attracts over 500,000 visitors and generates $1.5 million annually, and growing the Pride 5K from 200 to 4,000 runners, generating over $100,000 annually while introducing a peer-to-peer fundraising model.

Furthermore, Rex’s expertise extends to arts and culture, having served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Opera Colorado and in senior marketing roles at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Boulder Philharmonic. There, he combined creative vision with strategic marketing to broaden audiences, forge community partnerships, and launch city-wide cultural festivals.

At S. Sutton & Associates Inc., Rex applies his expertise in fundraising campaigns, annual giving, and strategic planning to help clients clarify their goals, activate board leadership, and inspire donor communities. His work is guided by the belief that successful fundraising begins with a clear vision and is sustained by authentic connections and shared purpose.

Area of Expertise: Rex’s predominant expertise is in Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning. He also has extensive experience in Annual Giving and Direct Marketing Experience: Arts & Culture, Community Based Membership and Advocacy.

Sector Experience: Arts & Culture, Community Based Membership and Advocacy.

Fundraising Must Have: Successful fundraising requires a clear goal, committed board leadership, and a compelling mission that inspires others.

Canada Associates Our Associates

Chiayi Tsui

Post author By mturner
Post date January 28, 2022

Associate

With more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Chiayi specializes in research of all types and generates insights from reading between the lines, connecting the dots, and deciphering patterns. Her experience as a prospect researcher has been mostly in the context of higher education fundraising. She also has background conducting research for archives, special collections, and a political organization. Previous experience includes working as associate director of prospect research at the University of Chicago and manager of prospect management at the University of Toronto, and serving as an ambassador of the Formosa Foundation.

Chiayi graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and a minor in art history, and received her master’s degree in library science from Indiana University–Bloomington. She was American Library Association’s Spectrum Reach 21 Scholar and a US Department of State Title VII Grant recipient.

Area of Expertise:
Chiayi’s core expertise is in Advancement Services. She also has experience in Alumni Relations and Giving, Data Analytics, Donor and Constituent Engagement, International Fundraising, Major and Principal Gifts, and Project Management.

Experience:
Education, Healthcare, Arts & Culture

Fundraising Must Have:
Adaptability to evolve with a changing environment; openness to continuous learning and improvement

America Associates Our Associates

Helen Grafton

Post author By mturner
Post date December 6, 2021

Junior Associate

With more than 5 years of experience in marketing and communications within the nonprofit sector, Helen Grafton specializes in social media management, project/event management and content creation.

Helen’s expertise includes marketing and development of healthcare and higher education institutions. Some of her previous experience includes multiple roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She began her nonprofit fundraising career in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Helen graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication.

Area of Expertise: Helen’s predominant expertise is in Donor and Constituent Engagement. She also excels in Project Management. Direct Marketing, and Alumni Relations and Giving.

Experience: Education, Healthcare

Fundraising Must Have: A compelling and clear mission and story to share

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helengrafton/