Do Great Work
Helping mission-focused businesses and organizations do great work.
A B O U T
Thomas Bruner, Principal
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 mission-focused businesses and organizations do great work for decades. Across the country, Bruner has successfully built and strengthened organizations, mobilized communities to respond to critical issues and needs, and marshalled the resources of the public, private, and social sectors.
A nationally recognized leader, Bruner brings a wealth of experience to his work, including years of executive-level leadership, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a diversity management certificate from Cornell University, an impressive portfolio of volunteer community engagement, and numerous awards and accolades.
Besides all that, Thomas Bruner is: A Doer. Energetic. Optimistic. World traveler. Buddhist. Personable. Brother. Uncle. Smart. Accomplished. Passionate. Dog lover. Change agent. Innovative. Spanish student. Dreamer. Native Texan. Adventurous. Part-time Mexico resident. Fixer. Lifelong learner. Fun.
“Ensuring businesses and organizations thrive, are resilient and healthy, and have meaningful impact – this is great work.”
The Bruner Strategies Advantage
S E R V I C E S
Practice Areas
My dad was a true leader and defied one stereotype of aging. The older he got, the more open and intellectually curious he became. Quicker to say, “I don’t know,” “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.
Governance
At Bruner Strategies, we don’t just understand governance—we’ve lived it. With a proven track record of collaborating with, managing, and serving on over 200 Boards of Directors, our team has worked across a diverse spectrum of organizations, from dynamic start-ups to global industry leaders and nonprofit powerhouses. Our extensive experience gives us a unique, insider perspective on governance practices, stakeholder engagement, and the intricacies of how different organizations thrive in a variety of sectors.
Why Governance Matters
We believe that governance is more than just a set of rules; it’s the foundation that propels organizations forward. Strong, ethical governance is the cornerstone of businesses that not only survive but thrive. It’s what allows decisions to be made with purpose, risks to be navigated with confidence, and every stakeholder’s voice to be heard. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity, good governance strengthens an organization’s resilience and positions it for lasting success.
Tailored Strategies for Great Governance
Our team works alongside you to strengthen your Board of Directors through strategies that are as unique as your organization. We collaborate to elevate your governance practices, ensuring your board is equipped to drive growth, navigate challenges, and build trust. Our specialized services include:
- Governance Assessments. Analyze current practices to uncover strengths and areas for improvement.
- Corporate Bylaws & Job Descriptions. Craft clear, actionable structures that align with your vision.
- Committee Charters & Structure. Optimize committees for efficiency and impact.
- Strategic Recruitment & Onboarding. Bring in the right leadership and get them up to speed quickly.
- CEO & Board Relations. Foster strong, collaborative relationships for seamless decision-making.
- CEO Performance Evaluation. Provide insights to help the CEO lead with purpose and accountability.
- Meeting Planning & Management. Streamline your meetings to focus on what truly matters.
- Annual Governance Evaluations. Ensure that governance remains agile and effective year after year.
Leadership
At Bruner Strategies, leadership is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve been leaders and serve in a variety of leadership roles today. And with years of experience working with leaders across every sector—CEOs, elected officials, board chairs, faith community leaders, and those aspiring to lead—we understand the complex and evolving nature of effective leadership. And not just conceptually, but in practical, real-word terms.
Why Leadership Matters
Leadership isn’t defined by a title or position—it’s shaped by a combination of personal qualities, professional skills, and behaviors that inspire others to follow, collaborate, and achieve a shared vision. True leaders are adaptable, empathetic, decisive, communicative, and resilient. They have the integrity to lead with authenticity and the emotional intelligence to connect deeply with others. All while understanding the need to make decisions and choices, including in tough circumstances.
Tailored Strategies for Great Leadership
Whether you’re currently leading or working toward leadership, Bruner Strategies is here to help you develop the skills, mindset, and strategies to become an impactful and effective leader. Our approach is customized to meet the unique needs of each individual, helping you unlock your full potential with guidance in key areas such as:
- Executive Coaching. Tailored, one-on-one coaching to enhance your leadership impact.
- Skills Assessment. In-depth analysis to identify your strengths and areas for growth.
- Communication Skills. Master the art of clear, confident, and persuasive communication.
- Conflict Management. Build the tools to resolve conflicts and build stronger teams.
- Professional Development. Continuous growth to elevate your leadership capabilities.
- Career Pathing. Navigate the trajectory of your leadership journey with clarity and purpose.
- Lifelong Learning. Cultivate a growth mindset and keep evolving as a leader.
- Mindfulness. Enhance emotional intelligence and resilience through mindfulness techniques.
At Bruner Strategies, we don’t just develop leaders—we empower them to make a lasting impact, both personally and professionally. Are you ready to lead with confidence, purpose, and influence?
Half of what I know I learned from my successes. The other half, from my failures. 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-driven, achievement-oriented. As a result, I’ve accomplished a lot as a leader. But when I became a Buddhist, I began to understand the difference between leading decisively and leading mindfully.
Ensuring businesses and organizations thrive, are resilient and healthy, and have meaningful impact – this is great work.
Strategic Planning
Bruner Strategies partners with organizations to create strategic plans that not only guide growth but actively drive continuous improvement. We believe your strategic plan should be more than just a roadmap – it’s a dynamic framework that adapts to evolving challenges and opportunities, ensuring your organization thrives for years to come.
Why Strategic Planning Matters
Great strategic plans can have a profound impact on your business or organization. An exceptional plan is one that guides you toward sustained success while remaining flexible to shift as the world around you changes. A thoughtfully crafted and well-implemented plan provides multiple advantages by helping you:
- Navigate changing environments and conditions – internal and external – with agility.
- Make data-driven decisions grounded in internal and external trends and information.
- Create focus by setting clear, actionable priorities that are known and understood by your team.
- Define results-driven goals that are achievable, relevant, and timely.
- Engage stakeholders to ensure alignment, buy-in, and commitment.
- Boost organizational performance with a shared vision and plan of action.
- Ensure accountability through clear implementation timelines and outcome metrics.
Tailored Strategies for Strategic Planning
At Bruner Strategies, we offer custom-tailored solutions to ensure your plan includes the key components that will propel your business forward:
- Clear Vision and Mission that align with your core values and purpose.
- Comprehensive Situational Analysis to inform every decision, including a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and in-depth market research.
- Stakeholder Engagement to align and empower all parties involved.
- Clear and Prioritized Goals to keep everyone focused and motivated.
- Actionable Strategies and Tactics that are realistic and impactful.
- Smart Resource Allocation to maximize your investment.
- Performance Metrics and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track progress and measure success.
- Detailed Implementation Timelines to ensure consistent momentum and follow through.
- Clear Communication across all levels for transparency and. understanding.
- Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation to keep the plan relevant and responsive.
Let’s work together to create a strategic plan that isn’t just a document, but a living, breathing framework that fuels long-term growth, adaptability, and success.
A great strategic plan isn’t just a document, but a living, breathing framework that fuels long-term growth, adaptability, and success.
I got into my 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.
Development
At Bruner Strategies, we’ve helped organizations across the country raise over $400 million—funds that directly fuel their missions and drive meaningful change in communities worldwide. With decades of experience as CEOs, executives, board members, volunteers, and donors, our team offers a unique, hands-on approach that combines strategic insight with a donor-centric, results-driven focus. We’ve worked with organizations on all points of the development continuum – from established pros to newbies.
Why Development Matters
Great fundraising is about much more than just collecting money. It’s about building a foundation for lasting growth, ensuring organizations can fully realize their mission, and cultivating a loyal, engaged community of supporters for the long haul. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, scaling an established institution, or strengthening a community-driven cause, fundraising is the cornerstone of achieving both immediate and long-term goals.
Tailored Strategies for Great Development
Bruner’s team is dedicated to helping organizations assess and elevate their development efforts, crafting personalized strategies that lead to greater success. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of each client in the following key areas:
- Development Assessments and Audits that identify your strengths, assets, and opportunities to improve.
- Board Development and Training that motivates, inspires, and builds confidence of leadership to engage in fundraising.
- Executive and Board Coaching to ensure leaders have actionable, achievable, and individualized plans for fundraising.
- Foundation Program Design to identify, cultivate, and engage public, private, and family foundations in advancing your work.
- Securing Government Grants that propel your mission with significant funds through multiyear contracts.
- Major Gift Programs that help you grow your current donors and engage new supporters with an affinity for your work.
- Planned Giving Strategies that provide your donors an opportunity to leave a legacy and ensures future support for your mission.
- Corporate Giving Programs that leverage the credibility, reach, and marketing of businesses that are aligned with your mission.
- High-Impact Special Events to reinforce relationships with current donors and introduce potential supporters to your organization.
- Innovative Crowdfunding Campaigns that amplify your message and expand your reach to new audiences and demographics.
Together, we’ll not only secure funding but also create lasting change.
At the end of the day, development is about 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 mom taught school in a tough, poor Latino district in San Antonio, Texas. She was passionate about the conditions her kids faced every day – at home, in the streets, and in the classroom. She taught me to be passionate about equity and inclusion, too.
Inclusion
For decades, Bruner Strategies has been a trailblazer in advancing equity and inclusion – before there was an acronym for the work, and before it became a topic of conversation. But we don’t just see it as good social policy; we view it as a crucial business and organizational strategy—one that’s essential for staying relevant, responsive, effective, and competitive in today’s rapidly evolving, multicultural world. We go beyond talk and training to operationalizing, integrating, and embedding this work across your organization.
Why Inclusion Matters
At Bruner Strategies, we help businesses and organizations turn equity and inclusion into powerful tools for impact, reach, transformation, and growth. By embedding these principles into every layer of your organization, we set you up to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Our approach can equip you to:
- Attract and Retain Talent. Build a workforce that reflects your clients, consumers, and customers, and is dynamic and passionate.
- Drive Innovation. Harness different perspectives and life experiences to spark creativity and forward-thinking.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve. Adapt quickly to emerging social and financial trends, client needs, and consumer preferences.
- Engage a Broader Audience. Effectively communicate with and engage growing communities and emerging markets.
- Deliver Exceptional Service. Provide services and products that resonate with and meet the needs of customers and clients.
- Strengthen Relationships. Cultivate trust and loyalty with current and prospective clients and customers.
Tailored Strategies for Great Inclusion
We work alongside you to cultivate cultural agility and responsiveness, going beyond talk and basic training to integrate inclusion into your organization’s DNA. We craft strategies that are tailored to your unique needs, helping you to:
- Conduct Organizational Assessments and Audits that identify your strengths, assets, and opportunities to grow and improve.
- Strengthen Governance and Policy to bolster, operationalize, and sustain equity and inclusion at the leadership level.
- Enhance Talent Acquisition and Development to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect your customers and clients.
- Foster Team-Building and Conflict Resolution: Establish shared values and purpose, and learn how to navigate differences effectively.
- Amplify your Communications and Marketing to resonate with new and emerging customers, clients, and communities.
- Develop Products and Services that meet the needs and preferences of current and prospective customers and clients.
- Provide Responsive Service Delivery that meets clients and customers where they are, and engenders trust and loyalty.
- Engage Suppliers and Vendors in ways that support and expand your work, broaden your network, and establish deeper connections.
Let Bruner Strategies be your partner in navigating the future, making inclusion the foundation for lasting success.
Businesses and organizations today have an opportunity to grow and excel in this increasingly complex, multicultural world. The opportunities are enormous and exciting. This is great work.
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 a diverse group of accomplished leaders across the Northeast into a real team. Together, we reduced our operating deficit, exceeded our fundraising targets, innovated across state boundaries, and became a model for other divisions nationally. During a time of extraordinary change, 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 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. I’ve followed him everywhere he’s gone. 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, 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 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 inclusion and created employee resource groups with over 1,000 participants. He significantly raised the profile of equity across the country and increased staff engagement.”
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 as he grew AIDS Outreach Center into a highly-respected and powerful organization. People in Fort Worth still remember his impact, talent, and 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 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, programs, partnerships were examined through an equity lens. Thomas led our efforts to remedy institutional barriers that were impacting our work with communities of color. Though not an easy process, we became better partners, providers, and staff.”
Dr. Helene Rimberg
Division Director, Oregon Health Authority
Director of Family Services, Cascade AIDS Project
“Thomas Bruner brought equity to American Red Cross in every way. He insured that we benefited from an understanding of the positive bottom-line impact of its implementation. As a fundraiser, Thomas was exceptional in helping Board members leverage their connections. He is creative and strategic in building development strategies that work.”
Maree Wacker
CEO, Fora Health
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. He changed 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, benefiting 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.”
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. 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 equity. He has led transformation at majority-culture organizations, helping them become far more 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
Bruner Strategies has exceptional breadth of organizational development expertise. As a consultant, executive, and board member, Bruner has served an array of mission-focused businesses and organizations across multiple sectors. Institutions with 35,000 employees and budgets of $3.4 billion. Emerging start-ups with one employee and $75,000 in revenue. All-volunteer community groups. In the U.S., he has strengthened organizations in Texas, California, New York, Oregon, Minnesota, and Alabama. Internationally, he has worked in India and Venezuela.
I N S I G H T S
Bruner Strategies Insights
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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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