Support for COVID Care, Partner Integration & A New Chief Advancement Officer
Ruotolo Associates’ (RA) partnership with Waveny LifeCare Network, which began with a responsive major gift initiative, expanded to include comprehensive development counsel and a successful executive search. Through Healing Together, RA guided Waveny’s engagement and solicitation of individuals, foundations, and corporations to address new and significant expenses incurred as a result of COVID-19.
Concurrent with this endeavor, RA’s Collegium partner, Lowand B. Hold, provided critical messaging and strategy for the announcement of Waveny’s integration with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.
Recognizing RA’s clear understanding of their needs and appreciation of their culture, Waveny retained the firm to conduct the search for Waveny’s first -ever Chief Advancement Officer to establish a comprehensive advancement program, building upon the renewed relationships and board philanthropic engagement of Healing Together.
Activating a variety of cross-channel promotions, regional research, and proactive outreach, RA launched targeted and rapid networking. Through the firm’s reputation among nonprofit leaders, board members, and advancement professionals, RA recruited a competitive field of qualified applicants.
Collaborating with Waveny’s search committee, comprised of Russell Barksdale, Jr., President and CEO, and board members, RA led a rigorous and layered evaluation process, allowing both Waveny and the candidates to mutually evaluate their options and opportunities.
"More than any other advancement professional organization that I have worked with, Ruotolo Associates invested the appropriate time required to understand our business, our vision, and mission and methodically demonstrated a commitment to the very swift timeline and objectives, which is precisely what is required to be successful. And they were. They quickly mobilized their team, methodically engaged new candidates from prestigious institutions, efficiently evaluating candidates’ capacity along the way. They captivated senior management and busy board members as active participants in an effective and encouraging way. Their ongoing mentorship of our new CAO will help ensure their success, longevity, and ultimate positive impact on Waveny LifeCare Network’s philanthropic goals.”
