Experience

Steve Pratapas is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a Consultant, and former CEO and Chief Development Officer in the not-for-profit arena. As a visionary and strategic leader of successful organizations, Steve has a proven ability to assess organizational needs, build revenue streams, and strengthen board, staff, and volunteer commitment and leadership.

As a Consultant:

• Led and managed Annual and Capital Campaigns, Major Gift Programs and Major Special Events
• Led and facilitated Campaign and Feasibility Studies and Fundraising Audits
• Performed strategic recruitment and training of Board/Volunteer leadership
• Facilitated Board/Staff retreats, training and team building
• Facilitated Strategic Long-Range Plan development
• Performed executive searches

As President of the Greater Illinois Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society:

• Increased chapter annual revenue from $1.4 Million to over $8.5 Million
• Recruited corporate leadership, secured sponsorship and managed major successful fundraising campaigns and events
• Provided leadership on Strategic Long-Range Planning, Executive Management Performance, Organizational Effectiveness and Board Member Criteria task forces
  

Mary Chicoine serves as VIce President of the firm. Mary has been a successful consultant in the area of Institutional Advancement since 1991 working with clients in education, health care, social services, and community service organizations. As Vice President of the firm, Mary works with clients in areas of strategic planning, integrated marketing, volunteer development, capital campaigns, and comprehensive fundraising programs.

Among the clients served by Mary are Oklahoma State University System, Texas Tech University, Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, Mount Marty College, Ursuline Sister of Mount St. Joseph, Laubach Literacy, Lutheran Home and Services, The Theatre of Western Springs, and Outreach Community Ministries.

Prior to entering the consulting field Mary worked with Econometrics, Inc. providing comprehensive database prospect research screening to more than 300 clients. She also served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Dominican University. She received a B.S. degree from Loyola University, Chicago (Formerly Mallinckrodt College of the North Shore), and an M.S.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame.

• Sue Weibel