Steven Messina, Cfre
About Steven Messina, Cfre
Steven Messina is a Senior Director at CCS Fundraising, with extensive experience in development and major gifts in the Greater Chicago Area. He holds an MBA from Lewis University and has a strong background in fundraising, team leadership, and donor relations.
Current Role at CCS Fundraising
Steven Messina serves as a Senior Director at CCS Fundraising, a position he has held since 2021. Based in Chicago, Illinois, he focuses on advancing fundraising initiatives and strategies. His role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and drive fundraising success.
Previous Experience in Development
Before joining CCS Fundraising, Steven Messina held several significant positions in development. He was the Development Director at the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation for seven months in 2020. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Director of Major Gifts at the Archdiocese of Chicago for 11 years, where he focused on major gift fundraising in the Greater Chicago Area.
Educational Background
Steven Messina has a strong educational background in business and marketing. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Honors from Lewis University, specializing in Marketing. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in English and Writing from Illinois Wesleyan University.
Skills and Expertise
Steven possesses advanced skills in Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, which support his work in fundraising and development. He is proficient in using fundraising database and analytics programs, including Raiser's Edge, Donor Perfect, and Portfolio. His expertise includes building relationships with senior management and potential or existing donors to enhance fundraising efforts.
Leadership in Advancement
In addition to his current role, Steven has experience in leadership positions in advancement. He worked as the Executive Director of Advancement at Marist High School Chicago for one year in 2019. He also served as the Development Director at Chicago International Charter School for eight months in 2020, where he contributed to fundraising strategies and community engagement.