NextGen Fundraising’s Carol Leister has transitioned from ownership to a consulting role, leaving CEO Tim Oleary as the company’s sole owner.
“Carol has been an amazing business partner and leader of NextGen for more than 12 years, and she has been an even better friend for longer than that,” Oleary said. “She has spent her career dedicated to the advancement of nonprofit organizations and the sector as a whole. Together we helped raise millions of dollars for our clients’ missions.”
Carol began her career at Cornell University, working in Alumni Affairs. She then moved into fundraising and development at Columbia University, where she also earned an MBA. She oversaw the membership and mid-level giving program at Thirteen/WNETin New York and ran on-air fundraising for WNYC – New York Public Radio. Prior to consulting for and ultimately joining NextGen, Carol worked at Sesame Workshop, building an individual giving program from the ground up.
From crafting a donor appreciation campaign based on Big Bird’s feathers to picking up the phone during a pledge drive and accepting a donation from Paul Newman—Carol has enjoyed a unique perspective on fundraising and has been instrumental in the evolution of NextGen’s client programs.
Everyone at NextGen is grateful for everything Carol has done and wishes her well in this next chapter of her journey.
NextGen is a leading agency in the nonprofit industry, specializing in marketing and fundraising strategy, creative development, and multichannel campaign services. Our expert consultants work closely with nonprofits across verticals including human services, environmental conservation, animal welfare, higher education, Veterans affairs, public media, disaster relief, arts, and cultural institutions.
NextGen will continue to meet the demands of today’s world and deliver our services in the most effective and efficient manner. When we and our clients are successful, good things happen in the world.