Deirdre Schlunegger

Experience

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  MD Anderson Cancer Center

  Jun 1987 - May 1988

  Child LIfe Specialist

  I worked with adolescents and their families as a Child Life Specialist. I also worked at the neighboring Shriners Hospital as a Child Life Coordinator during this time.

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  Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University

  Jan 1988 - Jan 1993

  Child Life Director

  I developed and led the first Child Life Department. I was hired to create the first Child Life Department. I built the department over 5 years, hiring 4 staff members. I worked with The University of Georgia and The Medical College of Georgia to create a 4th year curriculum for Child Life Students integrating their experience with Allied Health Professionals. I created a Child Life Internship Program with The University of Georgia. I also created a work study program for Medical Students. I served as an adjunct faculty there as well. I introduced "Family Centered Care" to leadership of the hospital. It has been incorporated throughout the hospital and expanded to the adult part of the hospital. It was a fabulous job with fabulous leadership.Note: Recruited to Chicago Position Show less

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  Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

  Jan 1993 - Jan 1995

  Child Life Director

  I led a large Child Life Department. I was co-chair of a redesign team for several departments.I left due to restructuring as my position was eliminated.

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  St. Louis Children's Hospital

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

  Child LIfe Director

  I lead the Child Life Department comprised of 6 Child Life Specialist. I commuted 4 days a week to St. Louis from Chicago for this position after my position in Chicago had been eliminated. My family considered moving to St. Louis but we decided to stay in Chicago where I returned to work.

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  Children's Nonprofit Organization

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1997

  Program Director

  This was a part time position running a program in the evenings at Cabrini Green. I worked with mothers from Cabrini Green to learn to develop and manage a children's program. It was held at an adjoining park district. Cabrini Green no longer exists.

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  Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1997

  Director, Head Start

  I led and managed the Head Start Program for children ages 3 through 5. There were 160 children in this program.

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  Rainbow House

  Jan 1997 - Jan 2004

  Executive Director

  • Directed all operational functions for a multi-site domestic violence organization including a 42 bed / 9 crib shelter which housed 365 women and 280 children a year.• Provided children’s services, women’s counseling, and job preparedness.• Established partnerships with other agencies for the provision of substance abuse and mental health services.• Developed screening tools and delivered presentations to medical staff and emergency departments providing assistance to women and children• Coordinated a violence prevention program that included healthy relationships for teens; delivered over 170 presentations a year..• Created and implemented a 40-hour training volunteer program; recruited over 260 volunteers.• Represented the organization at the state level on a State Advisory Committee• Served as member of Illinois Coalition of Domestic Violence, reviewed proposals for funding and made recommendations• Implemented a successful five-year strategic plan which generated over $1.1 million during the first three years• Presented to Chicago based corporations including Kraft Foods. • Facilitated a collaborative project with the Taylor Institute program, offering support to women receiving public assistance. • Designed a unique program providing substance abuse and mental health services collaborating with the University of Illinois Psychiatry program in Chicago and HealthCare Alternative Systems. • Collaborated with the Illinois Department of Human Services Teen Parenting Services and offered workshops to high-risk pregnant and parenting teens. • Increased the provision of outreach services by transferring to larger offices, hiring staff and implementing additional services.• Oprah chose Rainbow House among all the shelters in the city to do her show on domestic violence.• Raised over two million dollars a year from corporations, individuals, grants, special events and government funding.Note: Our revenue was down in 2004 Show less

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  WINGS Program, Inc.

  Jul 2004 - Sept 2005

  Associate Executive Director

  •Provided direction for the operational start-up of a domestic violence shelter including housing, human resources functions, and funding; supervised the Director of Operations.•Interfaced with insurance brokers regarding health insurance plans and insurance policies•Completed all United Way Agency applications•Successfully coordinated a federal grant including completion and submission of application which secured a $225,000 grant that is presently received on an annual basis.Note: I was recruited away to Pathways. Show less

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  Pathway's Awareness Foundation

  Sept 2005 - Sept 2006

  Executive Director

  My primary responsibility was to develop awareness for multiple audiences (physcians, nurses, other health care specialities and parents) regarding the early detection of physical abnormalities of infants. We presented and had booths at conferences, placed ads in national publications, had radio ads and submitted a proposal to the Ad Council. I worked with marketing and other consultants in this role.•Directed all aspects of the marketing campaign to create awareness of the importance of the early detection of motor delays in infants. •Interfaced with designers and advertising agencies.•Developed Continuing Medical Education curriculum with The Academy of Pediatrics.•Coordinated the creation of a proposal for The Ad Council. •Co-created articles with community nurses to be published in medical or nursing journals.•Designed a video for the annual fundraising event. •Built new website with help of pro bono marketing & advertising firm.Note: I was recruited away Show less

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  Breast Cancer Network of Strength

  Sept 2006 - Mar 2009

  Vice President

  •Created and implemented business plans and strategies for opening new affiliates (chapters) in targeted MSDA markets.•Developed and implemented with staff members the annual conference and continuing education for executive directors.•Initiated executive director memberships for the Senior Leadership Team.•Supervised nation-wide executive director personnel functions including hiring, development, guidance, accountability, goal setting and other duties•Provided direction to executives regarding budget planning, staff management, financial expectations, fundraising and development of annual goals. •Facilitated monthly teleconferences and quarterly meetings with executive directors and staff.•Coordinated merger of the separate 501(c)3 affiliates into one 501(c)3 organization under the umbrella of the national office. Note: The organization after several rounds of layoffs closed its doors. It was formerly called Y-ME National Breast Cancer Show less

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  Make A Wish foundation Oklahoma

  Apr 2009 - Jun 2010

  President & CEO

  •Directed management activities for all operations including strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and financial functions for the Oklahoma Make-A-Wish Foundation.•Established and cultivated business and community relationships, communicating organizational program objectives to internal and external constituencies to enhance fundraising prospects.•Collaborated with Board of Directors, committees, personnel and volunteers in fundraising processes, policy development and achieving performance objectives.•Analyzed and improved infrastructure and internal systems to enhance operational efficiencies.•Updated internal documents including board bylaws, employee manual, job descriptions, performance appraisal system and all employee files.•Developed board materials including board assessment, summary of existing members and desired attributes of new members. •Coordinated weekly, monthly and quarterly staff meetings allowing employees to provide status updates on projects.•Created, implemented and contributed to a shared weekly report which provided chapter-wide updates on current projects and upcoming events. •Supervised company’s software conversions to Razor’s Edge and Financial edge.•Improved the program expense and fundraising ratios from 62% to 78.5 % through staff realignment and reduction. •Attended annual conferences and represented organization at events and community functions.I moved back to Oklahoma to be near family, but missed Chicago and came back. Show less

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  Independent Consulting

  Mar 2010 - Jan 2011

  Independent Consultant

  Provided direction for a start up organiztion in Strategtic Planning, Board Development, Fundraising and Development and other non profit topics.

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  Stop Foodborne Illness

  Aug 2010 - May 2019

  Former Chief Executive Officer

  I led a national nonprofit organization, founded in 1993 whose mission is to prevent illness and death from foodborne pathogens by: advocating for sound public policy, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness. Created corporate giving ProgramDeveloping relationships with corporate partners Recommended balancing the board with those who have experienced foodborne illness with individuals with a science backgroundRepresent the organization and national and international conferencesServe on advisory committees and councilsSpeak at national conferences Developed and implemented new systems and improved the infrastructure of the organizationCreated and implemented job descriptions, employee manual, created new website, revised board bylaws with the board, transitioned to a new organizational name, moved office to Chicago and successfully re-organized the operations;Created and implemented an awareness program exhibiting at major conferences, engaged new audiences, created webinar educational programDeveloped relationships with new donors, increased level of gifts by donors and established new corporate partnershipsUpgraded all technology and software in the organization, including transition to fundraising software, Raiser’s Edge Restructured organization for improved efficiencies and savings Show less

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  Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

  May 2019 - now

  Development Manager