Phoenix Fundraising Counsel, national fundraising consulting firm, fund raising

Gerald (Gerry) Lefert, Business Partner

Gerry recently retired as President of St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI. He was involved in the Hospital Foundation fundraising as the C.E.O. of St. Marys.

Jackie Hayes

Jackie has a wealth of experience in the Madison marketplace. She has served as a General Chair for a major Catholic High School capital campaign. She is a licensed Realtor, former University of Wisconsin Women's Golf coach and high school women's golf coach. Her communication skills and sensitivity to people's interests and needs prepare her for her role with Phoenix Fundraising Counsel.

James Bybee, Business Partner

Jim Bybee is recognized nationally as having an exemplary career as a Vice President of Data Systems for companies in catalog sales and direct mail. He is a retired Vice President of The Swiss Colony and formerly of Montgomery Ward and ADP. Jim's vision provides our clients with state of the art data base development and management. His vast knowledge of the direct mail industry saves our clients valuable time and resources.

John H. Richert, Ph.D., President

With 40 years of experience in education as a college president, dean of education, professor, research administrator, and member of national and state advisory boards on higher education, Dr. Richert has extraordinary insight into the fundraising needs of non-profit organizations. Direct Mail, Feasibility studies, capital campaigns, management consulting, board development and education, major gift solicitation and annual giving strategies are some of the areas where his expertise can make the difference for a successful fundraising campaign. Prior to forming Phoenix Fundraising Counsel, Ltd., Dr. Richert served with two national fundraising firms. In addition, he has extensive experience in executive search work

Julie J. Rae

Julie recently joined our firm with proven experience from the University of Wisconsin Foundation. As a member of the staff she served as the Director of Development for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Julie was responsible for major gift development of alumni, corporations and friends of the College. She was actively involved in a successful $100 million campaign. Her role with Phoenix Fundraising Counsel includes providing capital, endowment and stewardship campaign counsel, conducting Feasibility Studies and Board Development.

Julie Mueller, Business Partner, www.jamgd.com

Julie owns JAM Graphics in Madison, WI. She has been a business partner of Phoenix for over 10 years. Her knowledge and expertise in publications, graphics, print and direct mail provides Phoenix with exceptional insight in providing services to all of our clients.

Paul Stauffacher, Business Partner

Mr. Stauffacher recently joined Phoenix as Business Partner after a prestigious career as a Catholic high school principal and President. He served as the founding president for Holy Family Catholic High School in the Minnesota twin cities area. He also served as president of Waukesha Catholic Memorial and Wisconsin Rapids Assumption Catholic High Schools. He has raised over $15 million for various campaigns.

Penelope (Penny) Richert

Penny serves as the Coordinator for Feasibility Studies for Phoenix. Her previous experiences in education and program development provide her the skills to be a great active listener and interviewer.

Richard K. Ottem, Vice President

Dick Ottem joined Phoenix Fundraising Counsel, Ltd. following a distinguished 30 year career as a top human relations executive for two large international corporations. As a Vice President for Phoenix, Mr. Ottem has conducted campaign planning and feasibility studies and managed capital/stewardship campaigns for Catholic parishes and elementary and secondary schools.

William Lindsey

William (Bill) Lindsey, a retired bank owner, who resides in Iron River, Wisconsin, has served with Phoenix Fundraising Counsel over the last decade. He has been involved in conducting feasibility studies and capital capaigns for several parishes. Bill's strong customer service orientation and his integrity provides the client with a caring and understanding professional fundraising counselor.