Jennifer L. Bielat, a nationally respected fundraiser and executive vice president, client strategy at agency Pursuant, died August 2. “JB” as she was known to friends and colleagues, was also a contributing editor to The NonProfit Times. She was 57.
Bielat was well liked and respected in the fundraising community for her knowledge and ability to collaborate. She was a key figure in the blending of Pursuant and Allegiance Group earlier this year.
“It is so tough to get our heads around. It’s been such a whirlwind of a week and the team is struggling with the loss,” said Trent Ricker, CEO & president at Pursuant in Dallas, Texas. “JB was truly one of a kind. It’s incredible to reflect upon how many lives she influenced, both personally and professionally.”
News of her death came during the annual Bridge To Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference in National Harbor. Maryland, some attendees breaking into tears. “It was as if a black cloud engulfed the event for those who knew her,” said Paul Clolery, vice president and editorial director at The NonProfit Times. “She was a remarkable life force and someone I turned to on a regular basis. When I last saw her in April in New Orleans, she was her usual calm but tornado self that brought smiles to everyone in the room.”
Said Ricker: “Not only was she one of the sharpest fundraising strategists I’ve had the pleasure to work with, she was an impactful leader who mentored so many others and her legacy will live on. She exemplified a life of service to the organizations she served and the teams she led. She will be deeply missed.”
Before joining Pursuant, Jennifer was senior vice president, integrated marketing for Easterseals in Chicago. where she led the organization in a brand renaissance with the goal of bringing greater clarity and relevance to the nearly 100-year-old brand. She was responsible for delivering the brand identity strategy and socializing the new brand within the 75 affiliate organizations and overseeing implementation of the recommendations nationwide.
Just as she was doing at Pursuant, Bielat helped to lay the critical, modernized foundation for the Easterseals. Under her leadership, the organization’s direct response channels, digital and mail, raised more than $32 million annually. The direct response programs also served as a critical pipeline for other Easterseals development areas, including planned giving and major gift development.
Chris Cleghorn was executive vice president at Easterseals. “I got to know Jennifer very early in her career when she joined Easterseals and watched her grow and soar. She was so gifted with an agile mind and a way of dealing with people that was respectful and caring,” said Cleghorn. “Jennifer had an impact on so many people. … She was a gem.”
Her industry recognition includes the 2002 Direct Marketing Association Non-Profit of the Year Award. She served on multiple industry boards, most recently The Nonprofit Alliance, and is the past chair of the committee for Education and Conference Development for the Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation Advisory Board.
Bielat was admitted to University of Chicago Hospital on June 26 to undergo a scheduled heart valve repair procedure. This surgery was to be conducted robotically to minimize scarring and accelerate recovery, with an initial planned hospital stay of two to three days. There were complications, with her heart not able to restore normal functions. She developed blood clots and then a blood infection, according to her family’s reports on the website CaringBridge.
Bielat split time between Elmhurst, Illinois and Naples, Florida. Her services will be Tuesday in Elmhurst. She leaves behind her husband Paul and daughters Alexandra and Lauren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231. Additional information can be found at www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
