Autism Speaks – Vice President, Individual Giving

Statement of Interest

Thomas J. Sullivan, CFRE

An accomplished senior philanthropy professional, I offer extensive “hands on” and executive experience in staffing, planning, building and leading comprehensive advancement and communication programs in healthcare, higher education, and community benefit.

I bring a unique amalgam of background, expertise and perspective obtained from serving a range of organizations, small and large, private and public. The level of cumulative fundraising success achieved by these entities during my respective tenures exceeds $1.5 billion.

A significant focus of my efforts over the years has been individual giving in the principal and major gift sphere. I have personally cultivated and solicited numerous charitable investments in the six+ and seven+-figure ranges and have played critical roles in securing a number of eight-figure commitments, along with one nine-figure mega-gift (at the time, the largest gift ever to a pediatric institution).

I have also collaborated with numerous donors to secure estate and planned gifts commensurate with their respective causes and interests – bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities, gifts of real estate, art, etc.

Through my diverse experience in a variety of institutional settings, I have developed a keen understanding and appreciation for and genuine commitment to philanthropy’s existential value in serving society and improving the human condition.

Having devoted a major portion of my professional career involved with children’s health causes, I am acutely aware of the challenges autism presents for so many individuals and families. I have an adopted daughter from Russia who is on the spectrum and have interacted extensively with people touched by and advocating for Autism Speaks.

The accompanying resume chronicles my professional leadership, achievements, service, and engagement. My career is characterized in large measure by commitment, collaboration, and collegiality in seeking, cultivating, and securing significant donor commitment and subsequent gift support.

Working proactively with CEOs, boards, medical professionals, staff, and advocates in enhancing organizational profiles, I have endeavored to establish, refine and strengthen cultures of philanthropy to sustain and undergird pursuit of respective institutional missions and priorities.

Proficient in the multiple functions that support successful advancement endeavors, I have planned, staffed and led campaigns, events, networking, stewardship and communication initiatives

Recognized as a dynamic, strategic, innovative “can do” leader and advocate, I have attracted, mentored and inspired board members and donors, along with professional staff teams ranging in size from a handful to more than 100. I am proud and gratified that many of my former colleagues currently staff philanthropy and related programs at numerous institutions.

I firmly believe philanthropic support to be the most powerful, flexible, accessible, dignified, and cost-effective resource available to nonprofits. As Autism Speaks refines its bold growth vision, enhanced philanthropic support will be invaluable in driving its mission, vision and agenda.

The vital resource Autism Speaks continues to become and the remarkable work it performs and the hope it engenders appeals to many people. The organization’s compelling story must be constantly and creatively communicated to and promoted among its natural constituencies, as well as to the broader community it impacts,

In my experience, philanthropy most frequently flows to entities/causes that inspire people to strive to make things better for their fellow humans. Translation: people tend to give to organizations that meet needs, not organizations that have needs!

Autism Speaks has a history of purposefully pursuing and achieving many of those meaningful objectives. Most importantly, it will be able to do so far more effectively through enhanced philanthropic partnership and support.

I believe my superior professional experience, combined with my personal appreciation and affinity for what is a remarkable cause, would be of considerable value to Autism Speaks. I would be privileged to aid in enhancing achievement of its ambitious objectives as Vice President, Individual Giving.

Geographically located in New England with access to two major airports, I am comfortable with and flexible as to travel, and receptive to working from home.

4/2/24