Rachelle Bussell, Ma, Rn, Cfre
About Rachelle Bussell, Ma, Rn, Cfre
Rachelle Bussell serves as the Senior Vice President for Advancement at Loma Linda University Health, where she has worked since 2011. She has extensive experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and leadership development, and has played a key role in securing significant donations and overseeing multiple departments.
Work at Loma Linda University Health
Rachelle Bussell has served as the Senior Vice President for Advancement at Loma Linda University Health since 2011. In this role, she oversees various departments, including Public Affairs, Marketing, Web Center, and Philanthropy, across six hospitals and eight schools. Bussell leads a staff of 130 and coordinates multiple committees and leadership teams, such as the President’s Advisory Cabinet and Campaign Steering Committee. She has played a significant role in securing major donations, including the largest gift in the institution's history, a $100 million donation. Additionally, she led a $366 million campaign for Vision 2020, part of a broader $1.5 billion initiative.
Education and Expertise
Bussell holds a Bachelor's degree in General and Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina-Columbia, where she studied from 1984 to 1987. She later earned a Master's degree in Philanthropy and Development from LaGrange College, completing her studies from 2015 to 2017. Her expertise encompasses major gifts, communications, relationship management, strategic planning, and board governance. Bussell has lectured and written for various organizations on these topics, demonstrating her knowledge and leadership in the field of fundraising and philanthropy.
Background and Previous Experience
Prior to her current role, Bussell worked at the University of South Carolina as the Senior Director of Development from 2007 to 2011. In this position, she managed a $75 million campaign as part of a larger $1 billion fundraising strategy for the School of Law. Before her tenure at the University of South Carolina, she served as the Associate Director of Philanthropic Service for Institutions at the North American Division and engaged in private consulting. Her background includes a strong focus on leadership development, strategic planning, and communication.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Bussell is an active member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals and has served as the past president of its South Carolina Chapter. She is also involved with the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and serves on the Advisory Board for Philanthropic Service for Institutions. Additionally, she holds the position of President of the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts Board. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with awards such as the Milton Murray Trailblazer and Outstanding Fundraiser awards.