Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Professionally
Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading donor relations for two nonprofits spanning 7+ years. The first nonprofit was a Christian web-based ministry out of Elmhurst, IL. The organization supplied educational resources to prison chaplains, small-town pastors, and ministry leaders across the U.S. and even overseas in China. Our donor base was spread across several pockets of the U.S., and I engaged with them via in-person appreciation dinners, personalized mailers, emails, and the occasional phone call. During my time with this organization, I established relationships with new vendors, developed their booklet ministry concept, and integrated CRM software.
The second nonprofit was a faith-based community action organization that pulled together twenty-one area churches, numerous corporations, small businesses, and active volunteers. Together, we served people in need in the Hershey, PA region. The programs included offering personal care items to offset the needs of those who qualified for food stamps, a no-cost and safe place to sleep for guests of adult patients at the Penn State Medical Center, free shoes to school-aged children, and even transitional housing for unhoused people seeking a new beginning. Our donor base was located within our service area, and I rubbed shoulders with our stakeholders through group presentations, volunteering, and tailored communications. At this organization, I also had the privilege of overseeing fundraising events and organization-wide communications (everything from rolling out new branding to website updates to social media to eblasts and extensive print materials).
Outside of the nonprofit world, I’ve had the privilege of leading a staff of 35+ employees on the frontlines of healthcare, managing the professional and personal life of a very active CEO (and former Texas Secretary of State!), and several other various admin professional roles.
Personally
Outside of this, I am a seminary graduate (Dallas Seminary, ’24) with over fifteen years of church ministry experience. I’ve been active in local church ministries where I’ve proactively developed relationships with members and invested in organization wide culture. I’ve launched a Mom’s Meet Up Group in Dallas, TX; co-coordinated a year-long Mom’s Connect Ministry in Hershey, PA; facilitated two home groups, presented at a marriage retreat; served as a guest writer, and taught on numerous occasions in adult and children settings. Today, I am an active participant in my church’s preaching team in Virginia Beach.
I am a pastor’s wife of sixteen years and counting and a mom of a [gasp] teenager, rising teen, and a beloved four-year-old labradoodle.
Why the Introduction?
You might be wondering why I’d share these angles of my background on my blog and that is fair. Mostly, it’s my hope to remain authentic and maintain accountability with my readers as my online space evolves to include various aspects of my professional and personal brand. I write, as others do. But I want you to know where I’m coming from.
If I share leadership insights, I want you to know that I’ve been in the trenches. I’ve navigated toxic leaders (you too?!) and thriving environments (hallelujah!). I do not want to gatekeep my life lessons. We have a whole new generation to invest in, and I want to show up and support.
If I share strategies for boosting stakeholder relations, I want you to know it’s coming from a place of formal experience in pursuing year-end budget goals, managing giving campaigns, and promoting buy in. I want to help you champion your cause with transparency and dignity. (Guilt tripping and manipulating gives me the straight up icks in fundraising!)
If I share ministry leadership lessons, I want you to hear my pastor’s heart and recognize the grit and grace required. I want to help you lean into your giftings, champion your strengths, carry your weaknesses, and call you forward.
My Goals for This Space
In the weeks ahead, I’d like to share with you things I’ve learned through the years from work, ministry, and life. You will see posts related to donor relations, stepping into your leadership, how to articles, and stories about my own spiritual formation and leadership growth.
I’d love to have you stick around and join me.
Anna Schatz (“shots”) is a trained speaker, proven leader, and mission-minded visionary living in Virginia Beach, VA. In her spare time, she enjoys a good cup of coffee, exploring walking trails, and baking fresh chocolate chip cookies for her family and friends.
