About Derek Bechtel
Derek Bechtel
Founder and CEO
My “Why”
God gave me a heart to encourage and lead people to achieve great things through kindness and a drive for excellence. I work toward this goal every day as a follower of Jesus, as a husband, as a father, and as a non-profit executive leader.
Personal Vision
I have a strong desire to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel to make the most of my life in advance of the Kingdom.
Relationships
As an Eagle Scout, I have consistently served in leadership roles as a professional and as a volunteer in many capacities. My experiences have provided me with training to coach staff, collaborate with vendors for clients, and support philanthropic services with multiple clients across the nation.
I very much care for others and attempt to live like Jesus as a servant leader. In other words, people and authentic relationships are paramount to me.
Characteristics
Strengths
Learner
Achiever
Responsibility
Connectedness
Individualization
Core Traits
Faith
Clarity
Humor
Tenacity
Empathy
Positivity
Innovation
Primary Skills
Prioritizer
Organizer
Negotiator
Collaborator
Active listener
Mindful leader
Communicator
Proposal writer
Systems thinker
Mechanical fixer
Relationship-driven
Expertise
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Developing and conducting fundraising campaigns at all levels of giving, specializing in gifts of $10 million and greater
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Inspiring and coaching board members, executive and professional staff, and volunteer teams to achieve goals
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Creating and conducting local and national income-generating events
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Coordinating multiple vendors to support projects for organizations, including architects, general contractors, and event planners
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Leading teams of professionals to move forward a mission
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Recruiting and retaining local and national board members
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Creating mission and vision statements to clarify organizational direction
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Providing event vision and counsel to grow event impact and income
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Developing life-long donor relationships through all types of fundraising and stewardship plans
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Engaging volunteers in clear roles to move forward missions
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Analyzing organizational efficiencies to create plans to implement change
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Delivering educational messages through speaking engagements to train and inspire
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Serving others through team development, profit & loss management, strategic planning, marketing, and board communication
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Finding a way to accomplish that which seems impossible
Professional Fundraising Metrics
Prior to founding RDK PHILANTHROPY, I worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 21 years and accomplished the following fundraising achievements:
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From 2010 to 2020 in the Office of Philanthropy, BSA, Irving, Texas as a philanthropic advisor:
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Raised $111 million through high-level relationships with philanthropists. Additionally, provided leadership and consultation to support another $42 million in gifts secured for a grand total of $153 million in closed gifts.
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Blessed to serve in a development office where the collective amount raised between 2010 and 2020 totaled approximately $600 million through cash, estate planning, and in-kind gifts primarily to construct and endow the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.
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From 2006 to 2010 in the Grand Canyon Council, BSA, Phoenix, Arizona as a development professional:
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Raised approximately $2.5 million in annual board campaign and direct mail giving, $2 million in grants including gifts for a capital campaign, $500K through new and existing special events, and $3.5 million in United Way funding. Also during this time, served as the camp director of Camp Geronimo with approximately a $1 million budget and 150 staff members.
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From 2001 to 2006 in the Grand Canyon Council BSA, Phoenix, Arizona as a field professional:
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Increased annual donations from $121K to $320K, special events funding from $63K to $115K, and product sales from $59K to $150K per year. Also during this time, served as the Program Director at Camp Raymond with approximately a $500K budget and 60 staff, and council training staff advisor for a 1,000-person annual training.
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Following the Boy Scouts, RDK Philanthropy was established, and the fundraising metrics since November 2020 are listed here.