Renate is an accomplished nonprofit and arts leader who uses the transformational power of philanthropy to make our world a better place to live, work, and play. With 25+ years of experience as a development and executive leader, she brings a holistic perspective to solving fundraising, leadership, and organizational challenges. 

As a fundraiser, Renate specializes in interim and fractional leadership, capital and capacity-building campaigns, major and planned giving, board engagement, and hiring and nurturing emerging development leaders. She’s savvy about working with high-net worth donors and what it takes to secure transformative funding. Renate loves helping clients find the confidence, clarity, and creativity they need to take a big leap - and land on their feet! 

Renate has been a trusted coach and advisor for nonprofit leaders at every stage of their careers, from mentoring emerging talent in their first development role to helping executive directors navigate the complexities of advancing to the next level of organizational sophistication. Her wisdom has steered our clients through leadership transitions, board challenges, and other key inflection points. 

Renate found her first nonprofit home in the arts and cultural community. Prior to becoming a consultant, she worked with organizations like Gage Academy of Art, the Frye Art Museum, and Seattle Architecture Foundation. She led the fast-tracked capital campaign to build the new Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Since joining Common Great, she has worked with arts organizations like Partners in Print and The Museum of Northwest Art, while expanding her portfolio of non-arts clients, including Mary’s Place, Summer Search, Girls Inc of the Pacific Northwest, Queer Power Alliance, The Who We Are Project, Seattle REconomy, Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets, Terrewode Women’s Fund, and more. Renate received a Fine Arts and Art History degree from the University of Washington. She holds a certificate in Art as a Global Business Dynamic from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and teaches an annual guest lecture at the University of Washington’s Museum Studies Certificate program. 

Book an on-demand session with Renate here.