Presenter: Brian Nielson 

Date: October 31, 2018

Time: 1:00 to 2 p.m. EDT

 

U.S. News and World Report rates Arizona State University at the top of its list of Most Innovative National Universities. How does a culture of innovation impact the development program, and especially the effort raise planned gifts? Brian Nielson shares the ASU Foundation for a New American University’s progress using data to drive decisions about hiring staff, identifying prospects and messaging about planned gifts to a relatively young constituency. You’ll discover how national data establishes norms, and how your own data suggests what’s really normal for your gift planning program.

 

After law school, Brian Nielson practiced law in estate, business, & asset protection planning. During that time he was also a consultant on creating paperless offices and taught for the Academy of Multidisciplinary Practice, specifically helping financial advisers understand the value and use of life insurance in estate planning. Brian transitioned to development as the Associate Director of Planned Giving for the University of Cincinnati Foundation, joining just prior to the public phase of a $1B campaign. Transitioning to The College of Wooster, Brian worked with 50^th reunion classes and as Director of Planned Giving, reestablished a comprehensive planned giving operation for The College, helping to raise $40M for a new building before the blue prints were complete, and helping exceed the campaign goal just months after taking the campaign public. Brian is now the Executive Director, Estate and Gift Planning for the ASU Foundation for a New American University. When the university is proud of its innovative nature, the fundraising needs to be just as innovative. In addition, Brian works to train youth in servant leadership at all levels, loves cooking outdoors, and spending time with his wife and six children.