Adding Value to Nonprofits Making A Difference.

It is said that "there is no better teacher than experience," and with more than forty years in the field, Dennis is one of the rare fundraising executives who has had experience in all of the fundraising disciplines.

Dennis founded Meyer Partners in 1989 to provide strategic consulting and related services in fundraising and marketing to selected nonprofit organizations.

Dennis' fundraising career began while a student at Concordia Teacher's College, Seward, Nebraska. Upon graduation he was named Development Officer, and later Associate Director of Development. Today, Denny’s commitment to his alma mater (now Concordia University, Nebraska) continues through his volunteer service as a Regent of the University and a board member of the Concordia University Foundation. He also served as co-chair of a successful $67 million capital campaign for Concordia and was named Alumnus of the Year in 2001.

Prior to starting Meyer Partners, Dennis served as National Director of Not-for-Profit Marketing for Epsilon Data Management, one of the nation’s leading database marketing companies. In that role, he was responsible for new business marketing and served as senior strategist and program director on numerous client programs. He is a recipient of Epsilon's Lifetime Achievement Award. His career also includes service as Director of Development for Lutheran Family Services of Iowa as well as Development Director at Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Wisconsin.

A charter Certified Fund Raising Executive, Dennis was a Founder of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) and received its Lifetime Achievment Award in 2003. He is a past board member of the Chicago and Miami chapters of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), and of the DMA's NonProfit Federation.

Presently, he continues to serve as a Founding Board Member of The NonProfit Alliance and is a frequent speaker at regional and national fundraising and marketing conferences.

An avid reader, Dennis stays abreast of current affairs impacting the nonprofit sector and tries to carve out time for the occasional historical novel.

Bonnie’s expertise encompasses several facets of direct response fundraising, including copywriting and creative direction, market research, strategic planning, and comprehensive results analysis.

She has managed fundraising campaigns incorporating television, radio, direct mail, email, telemarketing, and digital and print advertising. Prior to her career in direct response fundraising, Bonnie obtained a license from the Federal Communications Commission and held positions as a radio news editor, broadcaster, and producer. Bonnie is actively engaged in the sector’s professional associations and speaks frequently on topics such as the direct response creative process and long-term donor engagement. She likes to read, travel, spend time with family and friends … and she sometimes enjoys cooking and gardening!

Aaron has been in production management for 16 years, spending the last 10 at Meyer Partners. “The opportunity to see that what we are doing at Meyer Partners as we help people is very rewarding.” Aaron graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Psychology. He is also a 2nd Wind Certified Agency Operations Manager.

When Aaron isn’t working he enjoys exploring Chicago, “museums, shows, movies, street festivals, etc. There is always something interesting & exciting happening here.”

Bela has been with Meyer Partners since 2008. After earning a BFA in Communication Design, with an Advertising specialization, he has spent his years designing for many agencies—large and small; in the US and Europe. “I’ve been designing in the direct marketing field since the mid 90’s and working on many brands in a variety of agencies has given me good insight.”

“I take the experience and diversity I have gained from working on both B2B and B2C programs, including direct marketing for the airline industry, promotional material for auto and bank branch launches, and apply it to every project I work on for our non-profit clients.” Bela likes working in a smaller agency and describes it “as a breath of fresh air” after being part of large global agencies.

Bela loves to stay busy by traveling, camping and hiking, doing photography and participating in events for the Hungarian community.

Alyssa brings to her role nearly ten years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing and fundraising. Prior to joining Meyer Partners, Alyssa served as Director of Donor Relations for JDRF International (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation); as Development Manager for PAWS Chicago; and as Development Associate for The Anti-Cruelty Society, Greater Chicago Area.

In her role with Meyer Partners, Alyssa provides expert marketing and fundraising solutions to advance the missions of an array of nonprofit client organizations. She notes: “I understand how critical a solid direct response program is for a nonprofit organization to feed the mid-level and major giving pipeline and increase net dollars for critical programs.”

Meyer Partners provides integrated multi-channel fundraising services to help nonprofit organizations move their missions forward. Services include: direct mail, email, digital marketing, fund development audits, analytics, and general fundraising consultation.

Alyssa is a graduate of North Park University with a Master’s degree in Non Profit Administration (MNA) and the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Science.

John has been with Meyer Partners since 2009, helping to respond quickly and thoroughly to clients needs. “It’s nice knowing at the end of the day that the work you’ve done really is going to make a difference in the lives of others."

After studying Business Marketing and Advertising at the Greenspun School of Communications at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, John spent several years working on branding, campaign and direct marketing appeals in the entertainment and lifestyle sector in Las Vegas - including MGM Resorts, Wolfgang Puck, Palms Hotel and Casino as well as the Nevada Cancer Institute. In addition, before joining Meyer Partners John worked worked for a financial services division of GE Finance.

A member of DMA, AFP and ALDE, when John isn’t working he enjoys traveling and discovering new places and meeting new people; He also enjoys the theatre, concerts and spending time with his friends in his free time.

Charity brings to her role more than sixteen years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing and fundraising.

Prior to joining Meyer Partners, Charity was with Russ Reid where she most recently managed the Rescue Mission accounts, providing strategic leadership for multi-channel fundraising and marketing, including middle/major donor programs.

In her role with Meyer Partners, Charity provides expert marketing and fundraising solutions to advance the mission of an array of nonprofit client organizations. She notes: “I am passionate about cultivating generosity. It is my great joy to help nonprofits acquire, retain and cultivate donors to advance their mission.”

Charity is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Business Administration. She received her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification in 2008 and has been an active member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals. Charity has volunteered with several non-profits and served as a board member for a hospice operating in rural Kenya.

Linda English brings 15 years of communications strategy and direct marketing project management experience to our production department. “The thing that I like best is that I am helping to generate funds to further causes that make the world a better place.”

A seasoned editor, copywriter and proofreader, Linda holds an MS in Marketing Communication from Roosevelt University, an MAT in Elementary Education from National Louis University and a B.A. from Northern Illinois University.

When Linda isn’t at work she celebrates the fact that so far, she has survived raising two teenage daughters! She is also an avid reader and enjoys traveling to the western part of the United States.

Jeanette has been at Meyer Partners since 2008. She graduated with a BA in Arts with Studio Art concentration from Colby College, Waterville, Maine, and has a Certificate in Graphic and Desktop Design from Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale.

She’s been designing for more than ten years. Jeanette enjoys the work she does for Meyer Partners. She brings passion and energy to the clients and their projects. “I take pride in creating work that is artistic and original, while still capable of delivering the intended message.” She likes to challenge herself to explore her creativity in every project.

Jeanette has lived in four different countries and speaks multiple languages. Jeanette lives in St. Charles, IL, with her husband and two children.

Alora brings nearly thirteen years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing, and fundraising. Prior to joining Meyer Partners, Alora served as Account Manager for TrueSense Marketing serving Ronald McDonald House Charities. Alora has a Bachelor's degree in business and marketing and is in the process of completing her master's degree.

In her role with Meyer Partners, Alora provides expert marketing and fundraising solutions to advance the mission of an array of nonprofit client organizations. She notes: “I am passionate about helping those in need and having the ability to bring to life the amazing work nonprofit clients are doing through different outlets is an exciting and worthwhile endeavor.”

When Alora isn’t at work she spends time with her three children and husband, trying to do new things all the time. She also is very involved in her community and supports numerous organizations through volunteer work and events. While she doesn't have much downtime, when she does have time to relax, Alora enjoys reading, writing, trying new places to eat, and watching live bands.

Rita has worked with Meyer Partners as a copywriter since 2001. She earned a BA in Communication Arts from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and enjoys writing for various Meyer Partner clients. “I usually identify strongly with the mission of the accounts I write for and I like supporting them with my writing.”

Rita also enjoys traveling. She’s toured Europe by bicycle twice, once for six weeks, once for three weeks, and worked for a year in France between those trips. She also lived in Russia for a year shortly after perestroika, where her family served as missionaries.

When Rita is away from work she focuses on family and parenting. She’s also active in her church and serves on her local library board.