Delite Travis

Background

About Delite Travis

My progressive career across nonprofit management and higher education has been defined by an innate ability and desire to take on challenges and bring people together to make a transformational impact. As a result, my career has been propelled in different directions, displayed progressive upward movement, and involved mastery in various areas of expertise. With American Water Works Association (AWWA), this was evident by my start in event management and string of promotions that led to responsibility over programming, marketing, government affairs, certification programs, fundraising, external partnerships, and the adult education college. At Chapman University, I experienced a similar rapid trajectory with four promotions and ultimate responsibility for the entire donor fundraising pipeline and a $5M P&L. I have become a dynamic leader with an impressive 20+ year track record of delivering results in strategic engagement, fundraising, program development, communications, donor relations, and campaigns. I elevate organizations to next-level excellence by promoting mission. I lead with integrity, sound judgment, a commitment to action, and a willingness to take prudent risks. I love to build high-performing teams and cultivate strategic and lasting relationships. As my responsibilities have grown over the years so too has my ability to impact growth at the organizational level. Highlights of my impact include: • Planned and implemented Chapman University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign strategy, which resulted in over $250M in secured funds and a sustainable model expected to inspire year-over-year growth. • Increased annual gifts to Chapman University to $70M (from $25M). • Transformed and modernized engagement and fundraising programs for growth and sustainability. • Managed a 150+ donor portfolio with $5-10M in annual and major gifts. • Obtained $10M unrestricted gift from a first-time international donor by cultivating relationship and partnering with donor to identify their philanthropic goals. • Recruited, engaged, and strategically integrated 35 staff • Led AWWA’s adult education college accredited by IACET. • Advanced the AWWA mission by advocating for appropriate legislation and regulations. Served as member of the State of California Proposition 50 and 84 committees. • Developed and implemented marketing initiatives that increased AWWA’s membership base by 7% and engaged over members.