Associate

Jackie has over 30 years experience in fundraising, advocacy and marketing for non profit organizations.  Starting with the American Heart Association, she traveled most all of Nebraska working with volunteers to raise needed funds to support heart health.  She then worked with Nebraska Wesleyan University in the Annual Funds department.  She became the Executive Director of the Nebraska State Historical Society where she served for 10 years and raised funds to save precious historical artifacts and to bring Nebraska history to life.  Jackie served as Executive Director concurrently for two trade associations for 10 years advocating and marketing for their interests with regulators and elected officials.  She also has experience in for profit settings - serving as the Marketing Director for a fiber to the home internet company.  Currently, she works with healthcare organizations in western Nebraska to secure funding for critical capital projects, equipment needs and patient education programs.

"Relationship building is the key to successful fundraising," said Urdahl. "Providing an opportunity for someone to engage with a project or an organization is invaluable. It might not be this project, but the relationship begins there and over time we figure out what project/program excites that donor!"  Interestingly, Jackie has known Paul Strawhecker for over 30 years. She has attended several seminars led by Paul, including receiving her CFRE from UNO where Paul was an instructor.  She also engaged Paul J. Strawhecker Inc. to assist with development projects and board development with organizations she worked with.