ALEXANDER GARNEPUDI

Development & Community Engagement Leader

LinkedIn

About

An accomplished development and community engagement leader with over a decade of experience driving significant revenue growth and strategic initiatives across non-profit and higher education sectors. Currently pursuing an MBA at The Wharton School, Alexander leverages expertise in relationship management, team leadership, and financial oversight to build high-impact partnerships and achieve ambitious organizational goals.

Work Experience

Regional Director of Development, Western States, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Oct 2021 - Jul 2024

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Directs major giving efforts for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, cultivating a portfolio of $100K+ donors and managing strategic prospecting to secure significant contributions.

  • Contributed to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts' record-setting development year, helping secure over $80M+ in FY2022.
  • Established a new donor portfolio from zero, currently managing 21 major prospects and building a pipeline exceeding $3.5 million by FY24.
  • Led 120-150 annual in-person meetings, fostering high-level relationships with alumni, parents, and business leaders through frequent prospecting travel to the Bay Area.
  • Managed prospecting efforts and relationship development with alumni, parents, and business leaders to support the university's liberal arts college.

Senior Market Manager, Community Engagement

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Nov 2013 - Oct 2021

Southfield, MI, US

Directed the integration of ACS's Patient Programs, Advocacy, and Development units within the Michigan region, achieving significant revenue targets and fostering cross-unit collaboration.

  • Achieved 130% of the annual revenue target by integrating three organizational units and revamping communication strategies among teams.
  • Spearheaded an enterprise-wide Young Professional engagement pilot, persuading leadership to allocate resources and engaging over 150 new volunteers across three test markets.
  • Increased organizational activity across all three pillars, positioning Michigan as one of only two out of 14 regional markets to achieve this.
  • Influenced peers and senior leaders by establishing market meetings and goal-setting, enhancing cross-unit collaboration and communication.

Senior Manager, Community Development

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Aug 2015 - May 2021

Southfield, MI, US

Managed a team of 3-8 community-based fundraisers, overseeing a $2M-$3M P&L and cultivating high-level donor relationships, including Fortune 100 companies.

  • Executed targeted revenue growth strategies based on market penetration analysis, achieving 7% higher revenue in 2018 and 10% higher revenue in 2019 compared to similar fundraising products.
  • Coached and developed 5 direct reports through weekly one-on-ones and data trend analysis, leading to multiple promotions and consistent exceeding of revenue goals.
  • Spearheaded strategic evaluation and consolidation of community fundraising events with low ROI, resulting in $250K/year in cost savings.
  • Achieved 26% growth in Q3/Q4 2015 despite macro headwinds, ranking #5 nationally out of approximately 200 teams in FY2016.

Community Representative

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Nov 2010 - Oct 2013

Southfield, MI, US

Managed grassroots volunteer recruitment and event- and relationship-based fundraising initiatives in Southeast Michigan.

  • Empowered, recruited, and engaged community members, businesses, and civic organizations to achieve 117% (2011) and 109% (2012) of revenue goals for Relay For Life events.

Research Assistant, Department of Neurosurgery

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Jun 2007 - Jul 2009

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Conducted research in the Department of Neurosurgery, focusing on cellular biomarker data analysis and statistical interpretation.

  • Collected and analyzed cellular biomarker data to identify cell proliferation, utilizing SPSS for comprehensive statistical analysis.
  • Contributed to scientific understanding of neurological processes through meticulous data collection and analysis, supporting departmental research objectives.

Education

Business Administration

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, The Wharton School

Sep 2023 - May 2025

Philadelphia, PA, US

Political Science

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Sep 2003 - May 2007

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Projects

River Heights Academy Board of Education

Jan 2013 - Dec 2023

Served as President, Vice President, and Secretary, leading significant restructuring, academic initiatives, and financial management for the academy.

American Cancer Society Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee

Jan 2014 - Dec 2021

Co-founded and managed the region's DEI Committee, organizing panels and piloting diversity initiatives.

American Cancer Society National Manager Development Program

Jan 2017 - Sep 2017

Selected for a highly competitive national leadership development program, focusing on trust-based leadership and conflict management.

Phi Gamma Delta Board of Chapter Advisors

Jan 2011 - Dec 2015

Appointed President of a 5-member board overseeing a mentorship program and organizing leadership retreats.

Awards

All Regions Club Award

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Jan 2021

First ACS employee to win quarterly impact award 3 times (2019, 2020, 2021) for exceptional contributions.

New Found Star Award

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Jan 2019

Recognized as 1 of 60 in the field for outstanding performance.

Great Lakes Comet Award

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Jan 2019

Awarded for significant achievements and impact within the Great Lakes region.

Languages

English , Spanish , Telugu

Skills

Fundraising & Development

  • Major Gift Fundraising
  • Donor Relationship Management
  • Prospecting
  • Revenue Growth Strategies
  • P&L Management
  • Grant Acquisition

Strategy & Operations

  • Strategic Planning
  • Collaboration
  • Market Analysis
  • Program Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Cross-functional Integration
  • Event Management

Data Analysis & Research

  • Statistical Analysis (SPSS)
  • Cellular Biomarker Data Analysis
  • Market Penetration Analysis
  • Data-Driven Decision Making

Community Engagement & Social Impact

  • Volunteer Management
  • DEI Initiatives
  • Community Partnerships
  • Advocacy
  • Program Pilot Development

Financial Management

  • Debt Refinance
  • Budget Oversight
  • Financial Reporting

Leadership & Management

  • Human Management
  • Change Management
  • Conflict Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Mentorship
  • Talent Development
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Coaching

Interests

Sports

  • Competitive Downhill Skier (10+ years)

Wellness

  • Dharma Yogi Practitioner

Arts

  • Novice Splatter Artist