Rita Fuerst Adams brings solutions to the marketplace through philanthropy; moves social impact organizations to planned, sustainable growth; and builds effective boards. Rita has served charitable and philanthropic organizations working in education, youth, the arts, community and economic development, historic preservation, health care, international relations, sports, and professional and civic affairs with operating budgets of $1 million to $1.5 billion. Rita works with the Board of Directors and CEO to:  Create a clear, shared direction – mission, vision, values, and goals – to guide decisions.  Build effective and sustainable fund development with philanthropy as the catalyst.  Develop an innovative, collaborative board of directors and incorporate opportunities for other volunteer talents.  Establish accountability and trust with its processes and procedures to manage and steward gifts and other resources.  Engage the community needed for the organization to grow and endure. Leadership Development • Restructuring boards and their committees and advising on recruitment and retention • Recruiting, cultivating, and engaging volunteer teams. • Coaching management and directors. Organizational Development • Creating mission and vision statements • Launching new not-for-profit organizations • Guiding mergers and acquisitions • Growing state and regional not-for-profits into national organizations • Expanding into new markets, including the development of affiliate programs Fund Development • Establishing and implementing full-range development and earned income programs • Designing and directing fundraising campaigns • Revitalizing existing development programs • Conducting feasibility/market research studies • Preparing case for support Rita taught at Tufts University’s Management and Community Development Institute, National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise inaugural event, and Entrepreneurship for Nonprofits for the masters in Organizational Leadership at Wheelock College. In addition to contributing to Board and Administrator, she has written extensively in the field, including editing the book for the Center on Philanthropy, What Fundraisers Need to Know About State and Federal Regulation: How it Can Influence All Aspects of Their Work. She has presented with Advisors in Philanthropy, DonorSearch, Innovation Women, Leaders of Transformation, and Startup Hustle.