Gene Stepowany possesses 40 years of philanthropic fundraising experience dating back to 1976. As both a consultant and staff person, Gene has successfully inaugurated a number of development programs for clients and institutions along the East Coast and as far West as Denver, Colorado. He rejoins the staff of Ruotolo Associates, adding decades of successful nonprofit advancement experience to the existing outstanding staff.

Gene served as Director of Development for the Diocese of Trenton, NJ, from 1977 until 1981. During that time, Gene conducted a number of increased income programs as well as capital campaigns for parishes across the Diocese. Following his work with the Diocese of Trenton, Gene joined Ruotolo Associates and served as Mid-Atlantic Regional Executive, responsible for public relations and fundraising efforts for nonprofits located from Connecticut to Virginia.

In 1987, Gene was recruited to establish the inaugural development program for St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, NJ. He was responsible for all aspects of the program, including major gifts, special events, employee giving and corporate and foundation grant proposal submissions.

After nearly five years, Gene became the Director of Development for St. Mary’s Villa for Children, a residential treatment facility for abused and neglected children located in Ambler, PA. Once again, Gene established the first-ever development function at a nonprofit, taking on every aspect of the fundraising program. Working closely with the St. Mary’s Board of Directors, Gene performed all areas of the fundraising effort. His work included foundation and corporate giving, direct mail, special events and public relations, volunteer oversight and a major gifts program including securing a $1million gift for a campus physical plant improvement project.

Gene was then asked to lead the Development Office of Collier Youth Services, located in Wickatunk, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Collier’s mission focuses on the education and treatment of young people with emotional and behavioral issues. Gene was again responsible for every area of the program including foundation giving, direct mail, volunteer management, two special events that achieved all-time record results, and the initiation of a highly successful major gifts program.

Gene graduated from Niagara University with a BBA degree in Accounting. He has served on the Educational Advisory Committee for the Diocese of Trenton and is a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals. He is married and resides in Manchester, New Jersey.