Dennis G. Serrette is  the executive vice president and chief development officer at the National Urban League (NUL). In this role, he leads a team dedicated to the strategic planning and execution of the organizational fundraising plan, recruitment, and day-to-day relationship management with the Board of Trustees and key coalition partnerships that support the organization's mission. With over 30 years of success in board management, fundraising, business development, strategic planning, and sales management, Serrette brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to his position. 

 During his nearly 17-year tenure with the National Urban League, he has successfully secured over $1 billion in funding for the organization's vital policy, advocacy, and programmatic work. Notably, he led the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of any Black institution in the United States, raising funds for the National Urban League's 100-year anniversary in 2010.  

 Serrette also plays a crucial role in developing key initiatives to support the Urban League movement. For instance, he created an affiliate fundraising support platform that offers daily support, year-round training, and resources for CEOs and development staff. Furthermore, he currently serves as the chair of the board for the N.U.L. Federal Credit Union, which, in collaboration with the NUL's CDFI, will launch a banking solution to benefit its constituents, members, and small businesses across the country. 

 Serrette’s strategic leadership in driving revenue strategy, reinvention, and building a high-performing team, as well as his development of a multi-faceted revenue program has led to transformative growth within NUL. Under his leadership, legacy partnerships have expanded significantly, and new relationships have been forged to diversify revenue streams for both the national office and its 92 local affiliates—resulting in the expansion and diversification of revenue sources across corporate, individual, and institutional channels. 

 Prior to joining the NUL in 2007, Dennis served as the vice president of corporate development at United Way of New York City. In this role, he was responsible for managing and expanding their $65 million annual campaign. Serrette played a pivotal role in fundraising administration and donor relations for the September 11th Fund, which raised over $560 million. His experience in board management, fundraising, and strategic planning has been instrumental in his career. 

 Serrette pursued his undergraduate studies at Pace University and recently completed his MBA in finance at Stetson University. His commitment to fund development stems from his childhood experiences witnessing effective community-based organizations struggle to find the necessary funds to maintain their programs. He is dedicated to ensuring that organizations with wonderful visions and missions have the resources needed to succeed. 

 With his comprehensive knowledge of philanthropic development and stewardship strategy, exceptional relationship-building skills, and dynamic strategic communication abilities, Serrette is a proven maverick in the world of fundraising—consistently demonstrating his ability to influence change in complex environments. 

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