Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Dickard.
Hi Olga , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my nonprofit journey a year after college graduation when I joined ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN in their grassroots, field office. I managed a territory and led all events and programs in that assigned region. Over the years I grew and moved into different roles, compounding my fundraising knowledge and experience. In time, I moved to Director of Retention in Direct Marketing, overseeing all single gift donor retention across the organization. I led a significant budget and strategy for the organization and in the industry.
After serving the St. Jude Children’s Research’s mission for 17 years, I moved to serve multiple national nonprofits in different verticals through full service direct response agencies. It was after these 20+ years of client and agency experience, that I launched Dickard Consulting.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Creating something brand new is hard and usually not smooth. You start from scratch, molding and shaping you and your vision.
The first lesson I’ve learned is to be nimble and adjust to serve clients where they need you most- which may not be how you had planned.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Dickard Consulting we are here to help nonprofits sustain their mission through strategic fundraising. Our approach is data-driven and results-focused direct response audience strategies through intentional, authentic and transparent partnerships. We craft strategies, support implementation and analyze results to help you grow with confidence.
Direct response fundraising is essential for many nonprofits to acquire donors, retain and eventually upgrade to the next giving level. This work is strategic. It’s where you take you mission and connect individually with a donor or prospect through a mass channel. We serve across the client’s needs from strategy and budget to comprehensive reviews to staff and team training. We come alongside nonprofits where they need support to help sustain their mission.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are many who have invested in me and in my career over the years that have helped to bring me to this phase. I don’t think I can provide a full list, but these three professionally have been pivotal: my first manager at ALSAC, Nikia Johnson, my last manager at ALSAC, Hayley Daniel, and the president at an agency, Jeff Huberty. These three have been direct and indirect mentors who have guided, corrected and always believed in me.
Personally, my husband, Jason has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader- my rock. And last, but not least, my friend Sarah Layson. She has been critical to me saying yes- one of the best entrepreneurs I have the privilege to call friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dickardconsulting.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dickard-consulting
