Do Great Work.
Helping businesses and organizations do great work.
A B O U T
Thomas Bruner
From CEO of a scrappy start up in Texas, to Vice President with the nation’s largest humanitarian organization in Washington, D.C., to volunteer at a Buddhist temple in Portland, Oregon, Thomas Bruner has been helping businesses and organizations do great work for decades. Across the country, Bruner has successfully built and repaired complex organizations and foundations, mobilized communities to effectively respond to urgent issues and needs, and marshaled the resources of the public, private and social sectors.
A nationally-recognized leader, Bruner brings a wealth of experience to his work, including 25 years of executive-level organizational leadership, numerous awards and recognition, an impressive portfolio of civic volunteer engagement, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a diversity management certificate from Cornell University.
“Helping businesses and organizations be more diverse, equitable and inclusive, better fundraisers, more effective leaders – this is great work.”
Why Bruner Strategies?
S E R V I C E S
Practice Areas
My mom taught school in a tough, poor Latino district in San Antonio, Texas. She was passionate about the inequities her kids faced every day – at home, in the streets, and in the classroom. She taught me to be passionate about inequity, too.
Thomas Bruner has been on the front lines of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for decades. More than just good social policy, Bruner approaches diversity as a business imperative in an increasingly diverse, multicultural world – key to being relevant, effective and competitive.
Bruner helps businesses and organizations leverage diversity, equity and inclusion as strategies to improve, leaving them better equipped to:
- recruit and retain the best workforce talent
- be creative, innovative and intellectually curious
- adapt quickly to emerging financial and social trends
- communicate with and market to growing diverse communities
- deliver products and services effectively to multicultural consumers
- get, keep and grow loyalty of diverse customers, clients and donors
Bruner works with organizations to develop cultural competency – going beyond diversity training by embedding concepts of equity and inclusion into the way they do business at every level. He offers individually-tailored strategies for each client in the following areas:
- Organizational Assessments and Audits
- Governance and Policy
- Strategic Planning
- Talent Acquisition and Development
- Team-Building and Conflict Resolution
- Communications and Marketing
- Products and Services Development
- Culturally Competent Service Delivery
- Supply Chain Diversity
Businesses and organizations today have an opportunity to be more, do more and grow with this increasingly diverse, multicultural world. The opportunities are enormous and exciting. This is great work.
I got into non-profit work to change the world. But when I became Executive Director of a poorly funded start-up at the age of 26, I learned that my passion for changing the world would go a lot farther if I learned how to raise money.
Thomas Bruner has helped organizations across the country raise hundreds of millions of dollars to advance their missions and change the world. With decades of experience as a CEO, foundation executive, Board member, volunteer and donor, Bruner brings a strategic, donor-centric, results-oriented approach to organizations on all points of the development continuum.
Bruner helps organizations assess their current development efforts, and create or refine their strategies and programs for greater fundraising success. He offers individually-tailored strategies for each client in the following areas:
- Development Assessments and Audits
- Strategic Planning
- Board Development and Training
- Board and Executive Coaching
- Foundation Programs
- Government Grants
- Major Gifts
- Planned Gifts
- Corporate Giving
- Special Events
- Crowdfunding
Bruner also helps organizations develop the tools and systems necessary for effective fundraising, including:
- Case Statements
- Project Budgets
- Measurable Outcomes
- Prospect Research
- Communication Plans
- Marketing Materials
- Tracking Systems
- Implementation Plans
At the end of the day, development is about people and relationships. It’s about helping people connect their interests, values and passions, with opportunities to invest in strategies that can change the world. That’s great work.
My dad defied one stereotype of aging. The older he got, the more open and intellectually curious he became. Quicker to say, ‘I don’t know.’ or ‘I made a mistake.’ or ‘I never thought about it that way.’ When he died at 87, he was a great example of a lifelong learner.
Thomas Bruner has helped businesses and organizations across the country successfully adapt to change. With decades of experience as a CEO, foundation executive, Board member and volunteer, he understands the opportunities and challenges that come with change. Bruner helps leaders help others navigate change successfully by developing Learning Cultures.
Learning Cultures are organizations with a fierce desire to learn, improve and adapt. They are intellectually curious, and willing to challenge their orthodoxies. They embrace failure as a means for improvement. Learning cultures are more innovative, creative, and willing to take smart risks. They identify as lifelong learners.
Bruner helps businesses and organizations develop Learning Cultures by embedding learning into every aspect of doing business, including:
- Talent Acquisition
- Training and Development
- Project Management
- Goal-Setting
- Performance Evaluation
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication
- Group Coaching
- One-on-One Coaching
As a longtime Buddhist and former year-long resident at a Buddhist temple, Mindfulness is another strategy Bruner uses to help leaders lead institutional change.
For many people, life does not just feel busy, it feels overwhelming. People multitask, rush, juggle, and check messages around the clock. The pressure to decide, act, finish and move quickly to the next task can be intense. During times of change, that pressure to act often increases. In the midst of that frenzy, Mindfulness can be a powerful and simple tool.
Bruner helps leaders help others navigate change more skillfully, thoughtfully and kindly through Mindfulness. He offers individually-tailored strategies for each client in the following areas:
- Organizational Assessments
- Training
- Meeting Facilitation
- Retreats
- Communications Coaching
- Conflict Resolution
- Group and Individual Coaching
Half of what I know I learned from my successes. The other half I learned from my failures. I think that’s true for all of us. As leaders, inspiring others to be innovative, creative, curious, lifelong learners includes helping them learn how to fail well.
I come from a family of Type A’s. Busy, results-focused, achievement-oriented, over-extended. As a result, I’ve done a lot and gotten a lot done. But when I became a Buddhist, I began to understand the difference between acting and acting mindfully.
The simplest tools can be the hardest. I’ve been a Buddhist for 13 years, and spent last year living at my Buddhist temple. And still, mindfulness in any given moment is not easy. But over time, moments of mindfulness can help us learn to act more skillfully, thoughtfully and kindly.
E N D O R S E M E N T S
What People Are Saying
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“Thomas Bruner is a big thinker. While at Komen, he was a fierce advocate for the Latina Initiative. His leadership secured the donation of over 2,400 mammograms, follow-up diagnostic care, and cancer treatment for uninsured Latinas through Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Thomas excels at leveraging relationships and resources to accomplish a goal.”
Senior Investigator for Disparities, Kaiser Center for Health Research | Board Member, Susan G. Komen Oregon
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“As Vice President of Diversity at the American Red Cross, Thomas was an innovative and passionate leader. He pioneered the expansion of national programming for diversity and inclusion, and created employee resource groups with over 1,000 participants. He raised the profile of diversity and improved engagement with our staff.”
Chief Marketing Officer, American Red Cross | Vice President of Marketing, Strategy & Planning, Allstate Insurance | Vice President of Marketing, Citibank North America
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“I’ve known Thomas Bruner for over 25 years, working with him in many capacities. Thomas brings thoughtfulness and passion to all his work. I have been particularly impressed with his skills in development. He knows how to create an effective fundraising program, and is also an excellent teacher and coach.”
Executive Director, CenterLink | Executive Director, Northwest AIDS Foundation | Executive Director, Oak Lawn Community Services | President, Texas AIDS Network
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“I have worked with and have been witness to the dedicated work of Thomas Bruner for the past 18 years. Thomas has a unique and remarkable skill in optimizing organizational alignment and outcome strategies, getting the entity – and the individuals from top leadership to volunteer level – to focus and actualize their mission and business goals.”
BonVie Weight Loss & and Nutritional Wellness | First Lady, State of Oregon
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“Thomas Bruner brought diversity to American Red Cross in every way. He insured that we benefited from a thorough understanding of diversity practices, and the positive bottom-line impact of their implementation. As a fundraiser, Thomas was exceptional in helping Board members identify and leverage their connections on behalf of our organization. He is creative and strategic in building development strategies that work.”
CEO, De Paul Treatment Centers | CEO, American Red Cross Oregon | Executive Director, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation
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“At Cascade AIDS Project, Thomas Bruner transformed a grassroots organization into a strong, highly-respected nonprofit – and diversified its reach to underserved communities. At Susan G. Komen Thomas personally secured $1 million in state funds for breast cancer screening. His commitment to access and political savviness benefited thousands of women. Working with Thomas has been inspirational and fulfilling. I have learned from him, and I value his opinion and ideas.”
Breast Cancer Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority | Deputy Director, Cascade AIDS Project
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“I’ve worked with Thomas Bruner for years. He’s a smart, strategic, innovative and visionary leader. He’s also an accomplished fundraiser, leading Cascade AIDS Project, Red Cross and Susan G. Komen to greater fundraising success. And Thomas is a champion for diversity. He has led transformation at majority-culture organizations, helping them become far more diverse, equitable and inclusive at every level.”
Area Manager, Oregon Department of Transportation | President, Rose City Chica, LLC | Oregon Government Ethics Commission | Portland Parks & Recreation Board
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"In every interaction I had with Thomas Bruner, I experienced a refreshing and rare combination of a results-oriented team member and a warm-hearted leader. Thomas brings passion and compassion into everything he does, while also weaving humor and fun into it all. Whenever I’d look at my calendar and see a meeting with Thomas, I knew it was going to be a great day."
President & CEO, Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice | Senior Vice President, Disaster Services, American Red Cross | President & CEO, Colorado Nonprofit Association
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“Thomas Bruner is a great advocate, connector, leader and fundraiser. He has taken me with him everywhere he’s gone, and I’ve followed. Because of his vision and savvy, I chaired AIDS Walk at Cascade AIDS Project, served on his advisory board at Red Cross, cheered him on at Susan G. Komen, and became a funder of the campaign he led at Dharma Rain Zen Center.”
CEO, Azumano Travel/American Express | Chair, Spirit Mountain Community Fund | Chair, Portland Business Alliance | Trustee, Portland State University
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"Thomas Bruner is a visionary, innovator and thought leader. Early in the HIV epidemic, he saw the emerging disparities in African Americans. He mobilized our community’s Black leaders, opened an office in the historically Black part of our city, and hired me to develop culturally-specific programming. He was an amazing boss and caring mentor, and inspires me still today."
Diversity Outreach Coordinator, AIDS Outreach Center | Precinct Administrator, Tarrant County Commissioners Court | Special Projects Manager, Tarrant County College
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“As our Vice President, Thomas Bruner pulled together an exceptionally diverse group of smart, accomplished, strong-willed leaders across the Northeast into a team. Together, we reduced our large operating deficit by 60%, exceeded our nationally-assigned fundraising target of $17 million, strategized and innovated across state boundaries, and became a model for other divisions nationally. During a time of extraordinary change at Red Cross, Thomas led with creativity, consensus-building and, when appropriate, the ability to make tough decisions."
President & CEO, St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation | Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, St. Vincent’s Health Services | CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut, Rhode Island and NYC
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“Thomas Bruner is a man of instinctive generosity and integrity. He has a wealth of ideas and energy and genuinely loves to make the world a better - and more efficient - place. Thomas brought new energy and ideas to our temple's stalled fundraising campaign. Within months, we exceeded our goal by 35%.”
Author | Nurse, Providence Health & Services | Senior Lay Teacher, Dharma Rain Zen Center
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“Thomas Bruner is one of the most accomplished and inspirational leaders I know. He stands out not only for his vast range of experience, but for his pragmatic approach. Thomas is a visionary who knows how to make things happen, turning around stagnant and troubled organizations and growing them into thriving community resources. He has been an inspiration and valued source of guidance for me and many other leaders.”
Director of Advocacy Programs, Equality Federation | Executive Director, Basic Rights Oregon | Mayor, City of Ithaca, New York
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“Under Thomas’ leadership, AIDS Outreach Center’s Board became one of the most respected, collaborative and influential in our region. Together, we mobilized media, funders, elected officials and partners across our county to become engaged, take action and rally with us in the fight against HIV. Our community rose to the challenge and, as a result, our collective impact became a model for others nationally.”
Board President, AIDS Outreach Center | Director, AmeriCorps | Associate Director, Peace Corps
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“Thomas Bruner brings passion, dedication and commitment to everything he does. In Fort Worth, he was an amazing community force, building bridges and easing fears and stereotypes as he grew AIDS Outreach Center into a highly-respected and powerful organization. Thomas went on to successfully tackle other challenges across the country. People in Fort Worth still remember his impact, his talent, and his vision.”
Communications Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife | News Reporter, WFAA-TV Dallas | News Reporter, KTBC-TV Austin
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“Thomas’ commitment to improving Cascade AIDS Project’s cultural competence was effective! Nothing was left untouched – policies, procedures, staff biases, community partnerships were examined through an equity lens. Thomas led our efforts to identify and remedy institutional barriers that were impacting our work with communities of color. Though not an easy process, we became better partners, service providers and staff.”
Division Director, Oregon Health Authority | Director of Family Services, Cascade AIDS Project
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“Thomas was extremely effective in helping Dharma Rain manage our capital campaign. He provided board and staff training, developed individualized donor portfolios, and built systems for reporting and tracking. He coached, cheer led and prodded through a deft combination of enthusiasm, patience, focus and accountability. Thomas helped change our culture around fundraising. With his leadership, we exceeded our goal, ahead of schedule.”
Co-Abbott, Dharma Rain Zen Center | Member, American Zen Teachers Association | Member, Soto Zen Buddhist Association
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“I called on Thomas Bruner regularly to facilitate one of our most challenging break-out sessions at Leadership Fort Worth’s annual conference — and it was consistently successful. He made sure that participants not only learned the theory and strategy, but also had a good time and left feeling good about their accomplishments. His interpersonal skills are excellent, and his facilitation skills are outstanding. I highly recommend him.”
Executive Director, Leadership Fort Worth | Principal Consultant, The Harral Group | Board Member, Baptist Theological Seminary
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“Thomas Bruner is a champion of equity. At Cascade AIDS Project, he forged an innovative partnership with African American churches. At Red Cross, he created programming to improve cultural competence. At Susan G. Komen, he launched programs to tackle disparities in Latinas, and expand prevention for African Americans. Thomas has also successfully diversified Boards, staff and volunteers at every organization he has led.”
President, Albina Ministerial Alliance | Senior Pastor, Maranatha Church | Board Member, American Red Cross Oregon | Board Member, Susan G. Komen Oregon
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"Thomas Bruner is exceptional. He mobilized our conservative metropolitan region around HIV and LGBT rights with skill, savvy and diplomacy. He transformed an all-volunteer organization into a sophisticated, influential multi-million dollar agency. Thomas has great people skills, and a talent for engaging others in working toward a shared vision."
President, Fernandez & Company | Chair, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board | President, The Fort Worth Club
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"I hold tremendous respect and admiration for Bruner. His commitment to equity greatly enhanced our organization’s cultural competence. His courage, creativity, and dynamic leadership inspired, nurtured and mentored me. I grew as a person and a professional working with Thomas. He empowered me as a leader, and impacted my life greatly."
Director, Office of Youth Violence Prevention, City of Portland | Diversity & Outreach Director, American Red Cross Oregon | Founder, Black PFLAG Oregon
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“Thomas Bruner galvanizes those with whom he works. He took struggling organizations like Cascade AIDS Project and Susan G. Komen Oregon and catapulted them to the forefront. Thomas is successful due to his intelligence, passion and ability to tell the story of his organization. To have Thomas on your team ensures success, engagement, enthusiasm, creative fundraising, and the straight ride to the top – whatever the field.”
Chair, Oregon Arts Commission | Chair, Portland Center Stage | Chair, Portland Parks Board
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“Thomas Bruner leads with vision, creativity and talent - skilled at gauging where an organization is and where it can go. He is gifted in working with teams to create a path forward, with strategic and tactical work plans to back it up. All the while, he maintains enthusiasm and a tremendous sense of humor. Thomas’ results and accomplishments are impressive and undeniable.”
Director of Development & Communications, Susan G. Komen Oregon | Major Giving Director, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oregon | Associate Development Director, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
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"I witnessed Thomas Bruner's exceptional business acumen, political savvy and personal charms early in his career. Thomas is a man of many skills - leader, mobilizer, fundraiser, advocate, bridge-builder. He also has a wonderful way of infusing energy, positivity and warmth into his work, making it easy to follow where he leads."
Commissioner, Tarrant County Commissioners Court | Board of Advisors, AIDS Outreach Center | Board Member, United Way of Tarrant County
“Thomas Bruner leads with vision, creativity and talent. He is gifted in working with teams to create a path forward, with strategic and tactical work plans to back it up. He maintains enthusiasm and a tremendous sense of humor. Thomas’ accomplishments are impressive and undeniable.”
Ann Marie Berryman
Director of Development & Communications, Susan G. Komen Oregon
Major Giving Director, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oregon
Associate Development Director, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
“Thomas Bruner galvanizes those with whom he works. He took struggling organizations like Cascade AIDS Project and Susan G. Komen Oregon and catapulted them to the forefront. He is smart, passionate and a gifted communicator. To have Thomas on your team ensures success, engagement, enthusiasm, creative fundraising, and the straight ride to the top.”
Julie Vigeland
Chair, Oregon Arts Commission
Chair, Portland Center Stage
Chair, Portland Parks Board
“I hold tremendous respect and admiration for Thomas Bruner. His commitment to equity greatly enhanced our organization’s cultural competence. His courage, creativity, and dynamic leadership inspired, nurtured and mentored me. I grew as a person and a professional working with Thomas.”
Antoinette Edwards
Director, Office of Youth Violence Prevention, City of Portland
Diversity & Outreach Director, American Red Cross Oregon
Founder, Black PFLAG Oregon
“Thomas Bruner is exceptional. He mobilized our conservative metropolitan region around HIV and LGBT rights with skill, savvy and diplomacy. He transformed an all-volunteer organization into a influential multi-million dollar agency. Thomas has great people skills, and a talent for engaging others in a shared vision.”
Robert Fernandez
President, Fernandez & Company
Chair, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board
President, The Fort Worth Club
“Thomas Bruner is a man of instinctive generosity and integrity. He has a wealth of ideas and energy and genuinely loves to make the world a better – and more efficient – place. Thomas brought new energy and ideas to our temple’s stalled fundraising campaign. Within months, we exceeded our goal by 35%.”
Sallie Tisdale
Author
Nurse, Providence Health & Services
Senior Lay Teacher, Dharma Rain Zen Center
“As our Vice President, Thomas Bruner pulled together an exceptionally diverse group of accomplished leaders across the Northeast into a real team. Together, we reduced our operating deficit by 60%, exceeded our nationally-assigned fundraising target of $17 million, innovated across state boundaries, and became a model for other divisions nationally. During a time of extraordinary change at Red Cross, Thomas led with creativity, consensus-building, and the ability to make tough decisions.”
Dianne Auger
President & CEO, St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation
Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, St. Vincent’s Health Services
CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut, Rhode Island and NYC
“Thomas Bruner is a visionary, innovator and thought leader. Early in the HIV epidemic, he saw the emerging disparities in African Americans. He mobilized our community’s Black leaders, opened an office in the historically Black part of our city, and hired me to develop culturally-specific programming. He was an amazing boss and caring mentor, and inspires me still today.”
Krystal James
Diversity Outreach Coordinator, AIDS Outreach Center
Precinct Administrator, Tarrant County Commissioners Court
Special Projects Manager, Tarrant County College
“Thomas Bruner is a great advocate, connector, leader and fundraiser. He has taken me with him everywhere he’s gone, and I’ve followed. Because of his vision and savvy, I chaired AIDS Walk at Cascade AIDS Project, served on his advisory board at Red Cross, cheered him on at Susan G. Komen, and became a funder of the campaign he led at Dharma Rain Zen Center.”
Sho Dozono
CEO, Azumano Travel/American Express
Chair, Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Chair, Portland Business Alliance
Trustee, Portland State University
“In every interaction I had with Thomas Bruner, I experienced a refreshing and rare combination of a results-oriented team member and a warm-hearted leader. Thomas brings passion and compassion into everything he does, while also weaving humor and fun into it all. Whenever I’d look at my calendar and see a meeting with Thomas, I knew it was going to be a great day.”
Charley Shimanski
President & CEO, Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice
Senior Vice President, Disaster Services, American Red Cross
President & CEO, Colorado Nonprofit Association
“Thomas Bruner is a big thinker. While at Komen, he was a fierce advocate for the Latina Initiative. His leadership secured the donation of over 2,400 mammograms, follow-up diagnostic care, and cancer treatment for uninsured Latinas through Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Thomas excels at leveraging relationships and resources to accomplish a goal.”
Dr. Gloria Coronado
Senior Investigator for Disparities, Kaiser Center for Health Research
Board Member, Susan G. Komen Oregon
“Thomas Bruner is one of the most accomplished and inspirational leaders I know. He stands out not only for his vast range of experience, but for his pragmatic approach. Thomas is a visionary who knows how to make things happen, turning around troubled organizations and growing them into thriving community resources. He has been an inspiration for me and many nonprofit leaders.”
Roey Thorpe
Director of Advocacy Programs, Equality Federation
Executive Director, Basic Rights Oregon
Mayor, City of Ithaca, New York
“As Vice President of Diversity at the American Red Cross, Thomas was an innovative and passionate leader. He pioneered the expansion of national programming for diversity and inclusion, and created employee resource groups with over 1,000 participants. He raised the profile of diversity and improved engagement with our staff.”
Peggy Dyer
Chief Marketing Officer, American Red Cross
Vice President of Marketing, Strategy & Planning, Allstate Insurance
Vice President of Marketing, Citibank North America
“Under Thomas’ leadership, AIDS Outreach Center’s Board became one of the most respected, collaborative and influential in our region. He mobilized media, funders, elected officials and partners across our county to become engaged, take action and rally with us in the fight against HIV. Our community rose to the challenge. and our collective impact became a model nationally.”
Rosie Mauk
Board President, AIDS Outreach Center
Director, AmeriCorps
Associate Director, Peace Corps
“I’ve known Thomas Bruner for over 25 years, working with him in many capacities. Thomas brings thoughtfulness and passion to all his work. I have been particularly impressed with his skills in development. He knows how to create an effective fundraising program, and is also an excellent teacher and coach.”
Terry Stone
Executive Director, CenterLink
Executive Director, Northwest AIDS Foundation
Executive Director, Oak Lawn Community Services
President, Texas AIDS Network
“Thomas Bruner brings passion, dedication and commitment to everything he does. In Fort Worth, he was an amazing community force, building bridges and easing fears and stereotypes as he grew AIDS Outreach Center into a highly-respected and powerful organization. Thomas went on to successfully tackle other challenges across the country. People in Fort Worth still remember his impact, his talent, and his vision.”
Lydia Saldaña
Communications Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife
News Reporter, WFAA-TV Dallas
News Reporter, KTBC-TV Austin
“I have worked with and have been witness to the dedicated work of Thomas Bruner for the past 18 years. Thomas has a unique and remarkable skill in optimizing organizational alignment and outcome strategies, getting the entity – and the individuals from top leadership to volunteer level – to focus and actualize their mission and business goals.”
Sharon LaCroix Kitzhaber
BonVie Weight Loss & and Nutritional Wellness
First Lady, State of Oregon
“Thomas’ commitment to improving Cascade AIDS Project’s cultural competence was effective! Nothing was left untouched – policies, procedures, staff biases, community partnerships were examined through an equity lens. Thomas led our efforts to identify and remedy institutional barriers that were impacting our work with communities of color. Though not an easy process, we became better partners, service providers and staff.”
Dr. Helene Rimberg
Division Director, Oregon Health Authority
Director of Family Services, Cascade AIDS Project
“Thomas Bruner brought diversity to American Red Cross in every way. He insured that we benefited from an understanding of diversity practices, and the positive bottom-line impact of their implementation. As a fundraiser, Thomas was exceptional in helping Board members identify and leverage their connections. He is creative and strategic in building development strategies that work.”
Maree Wacker
CEO, De Paul Treatment Centers
CEO, American Red Cross Oregon
Executive Director, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation
“Thomas was extremely effective in helping Dharma Rain manage our capital campaign. He provided board and staff training, developed individualized donor portfolios, and built systems for reporting and tracking. He coached, cheer led and prodded through a deft combination of enthusiasm, patience, focus and accountability. Thomas helped change our culture around fundraising.”
Kakumyo-Lowe Charde
Co-Abbott, Dharma Rain Zen Center
Member, American Zen Teachers Association
Member, Soto Zen Buddhist Association
“At Cascade AIDS Project, Thomas Bruner transformed a grassroots organization into a strong, highly-respected nonprofit – and diversified its reach to underserved communities. At Susan G. Komen Thomas personally secured $1 million in state funds for breast cancer screening. His commitment to access and political savviness benefited thousands of women. Working with Thomas has been inspirational and fulfilling. I have learned from and value him.”
Kristin Kane
Program Manager, Kaiser Permanente NW
Breast Cancer Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority
Deputy Director, Cascade AIDS Project
“I called on Thomas Bruner regularly to facilitate one of our most challenging break-out sessions at Leadership Fort Worth’s annual conference — and it was consistently successful. He made sure that participants not only learned the theory and strategy, but also had a good time and left feeling good about their accomplishments. His interpersonal skills are excellent, and his facilitation skills are outstanding. I highly recommend him.”
Dr. Harriet Harral
Executive Director, Leadership Fort Worth
Principal Consultant, The Harral Group
Board Member, Baptist Theological Seminary
“Thomas Bruner is a champion of equity. At Cascade AIDS Project, he forged an innovative partnership with African American churches. At Red Cross, he created programming to improve cultural competence. At Susan G. Komen, he tackled disparities among Latinas, and expanded prevention for African Americans. Thomas has also successfully diversified Boards, staff and volunteers at every organization he has led.”
Rev. Dr. T. Allen Bethel
President, Albina Ministerial Alliance
Board Member, American Red Cross Oregon
Board Member, Susan G. Komen Oregon
“I’ve worked with Thomas Bruner for years. He’s a smart, strategic, innovative and visionary leader. He’s also an accomplished fundraiser, leading Cascade AIDS Project, Red Cross and Susan G. Komen to greater fundraising success. And Thomas is a champion for diversity. He has led transformation at majority-culture organizations, helping them become far more diverse, equitable and inclusive at every level.”
Shelli Romero
Area Manager, Oregon Department of Transportation
President, Rose City Chica, LLC
Oregon Government Ethics Commission
Portland Parks & Recreation Board
C L I E N T S
Bruner Strategies Clients
As a Board member, executive and consultant, Thomas Bruner has worked with a wide array of organizations across the country and the globe. From an institution with 30,000 employees and a budget of $3.4 billion, to an emerging start-up with one employee and $100,000., Bruner has exceptional breadth of organizational development expertise. In the U.S., he has worked in Texas, California, Oregon, Minnesota and Alabama. Internationally, Bruner has worked in India and Venezuela.
B L O G
Bruner Strategies Blog
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Communicate Like Bridget
This is a critically important time to communicate with your supporters. But enough text-only emails. More videos like Bridget’s. More handwritten notes. More phone calls. I gave charitable gifts to ten organizations last year. In the month since Covid_19 has upended our lives, I’ve received updates from most of them by text-only email. Bridget is […]
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Applying Equity in a Crisis
Now more than ever, applying an equity lens to leadership and decision-making is essential. In times of crisis, it’s easy to stop or disregard diversity, equity and inclusion work as less relevant or an unnecessary luxury. But now more than ever, applying an equity lens to leadership and decision-making is essential. Here are six ways […]
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Year-End Appeals: My Client Got It Right
Year-End Appeals: My Client Got It Right I received a year-end fundraising letter on October 30 from one of my clients, Playworks Pacific Northwest. While simple and produced on a budget, it stood out for following evidence-based practices for soliciting end-of-year gifts by mail. Effective year-end mailings don’t have to be complicated or expensive. But […]
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Leadership & Right Speech
Thomas, just because you have a thought doesn’t mean you have to speak it. – Paul Bruner, my dad Despite my dad’s attempts to teach me otherwise, I used to confuse talking with leadership. As a young leader, I thought that talking first, talking fast, talking a lot and talking often was what leaders did. […]
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Mindfulness: When the World Goes Mad.
49 Men and Women, Orlando. Alton Sterling, Baton Rouge. Philando Castile, Minnesota. 5 Police Officers, Dallas. 3 Police Officers, Baton Rouge. The last month has been a mind-blurring series of tragedy, grief and anger. The mindless deaths are enough. But the blame, name-calling and side-choosing that follow in the press and on social media only add heat to the […]
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Diversity: What Fails & What Works
Most diversity programs aren’t increasing diversity. Why Diversity Programs Fail, Harvard Business Review. July-August 2016. An article in the most recent issue of the Harvard Business Review is generating lots of buzz in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena. The authors analyzed three decades’ worth of data from more than 800 U.S. firms and interviewed hundreds of line […]
C O N T A C T
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