24: Leadership Development for the 3 Phases of Your Nonprofit Career (Chris Delisio)

SUMMARY

Chris Delisio’s career in higher education has led him to a leadership role in one of the largest comprehensive campaigns in the country, as the Time and Change Campaign at Ohio State targets one million donors and a fundraising goal of $4.5 billion.  While justifiably proud of his current leadership position, Chris is quick to point to the resources and advice that helped him move along the path to nonprofit success. Chris and I had a great conversation about the skills and experiences you need to develop when you’re first getting started in the nonprofit profession, how you build on those skills when you’re aspiring to senior leadership, and how to ultimately shift into managing a team. 

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris is the AVP for Development and Executive Director for Principal Gifts at The Ohio State University. In this role he oversees the day-to-day operation and strategic management of the Principal Gift office focused on $5M+ gifts across the entire university.  Prior to this role, he was the AVP for Development and Chief Advancement Officer for OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he provided comprehensive leadership and oversight for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Wexner Center for the Arts, WOSU Public Media and the University Libraries. He also worked as the Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and as a development officer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at OSU. Prior to his work in Columbus, he also worked at Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio University and the University of Dayton. Chris received his undergraduate degree from Hiram College and his MBA from Kent State University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• David Allen’s book Getting Things Done 
• Carol Dweck’s book Mindset
• Will Sparks’ book Actualized Leadership, and Episode #14 on the Path
• Angela Duckworth’s book Grit
• John Wooden’s book On Leadership
• Don Jonas’ Episode #8 on the Path