The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF) is pleased to announce the promotions of two staff members in recognition for their contributions and commitments to the CCF mission.
Christopher D. Nelson, J.D., has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Development & Donor Engagement. Chris joined CCF in 2018 as Vice President of Development & Donor Engagement to lead the development and marketing team through strategic, continued growth with enhanced donor and partner services.
Brianna Thompson has been promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications. Brianna joined the CCF team in 2018 as Communications & Events Manager.
“In the five years since Chris and Brianna joined our team, CCF’s reach and impact in our community has expanded significantly,” says CCF President Anne Cullen Miller.
Since 2018, CCF has grown by $220 million in assets under management and by 227 charitable funds. These funds have resulted in $85 million granted to our community over the last five years — accounting for an impressive 35% of CCF’s 30-year grant total.
Christopher D. Nelson, J.D. Executive Vice President of Development and Donor Engagement
Leading the Next Period of Growth
As CCF’s first executive vice president, Chris will take a lead role in the next organizational strategic planning process. “CCF was created to be a perpetual steward of charitable assets for the Minnesota Catholic community,” says Anne. “Chris has demonstrated a wonderful ability to understand the charitable giving landscape we navigate today and think through how to focus resources on the efforts and initiatives that will generate the most community-centered impact.”
“I have the joy of working with a compassionate, service-oriented, strategic team,” says Chris. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and the CCF Board of Directors during this next period of growth.”
Communicating the Value of CCF
When Chris reflects on how the CCF’s marketing and communications department has grown since he joined the team, he notes the impact Brianna Thompson has had. “Early on, Brianna demonstrated her ability to manage multiple priorities while also having a clear vision of where CCF needed to go from a marketing, events, and communications perspective,” Chris says. “We look forward to seeing her direct those efforts going forward.”
“I love telling CCF’s story and spotlighting the many faith-filled people who generously support our community,” says Brianna. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue exploring ways to strategically communicate the incredible value that CCF offers to its donors, partners, and the broader community.”
Brianna Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Generating Impact for the Future
“I, along with the entire CCF Board of Directors, am thrilled to be able to recognize Chris’s and Brianna’s contributions through these promotions,” says Anne. “CCF’s growth in the last five years will impact this community for generations to come. I can’t wait to see what the next five years bring!”
If you have questions for Chris or would like to congratulate him, you can contact him at 651.389.0874 or nelsonc@ccf-mn.org.
If you have questions for Brianna or would like to congratulate her, you can contact her at 651.389.0646 or thompsonb@ccf-mn.org.