Perry L.

Gunn
650 Primrose Lane, Matteson, Illinois 60443
Cell 773-720-9889/ Home 708-481-9362
pgc76908@westpost.net

Professional Profile
* Proven executive leader in the not-for-profit sector with a successful track r
ecord of growing program revenue, improving organizational systems and deliverin
g quality programs to diverse populations. Strong fiscal manager with a long-te
rm history of achieving balanced budgets.
* Dynamic fundraiser with 20 consecutive years as a top performer. Experienced
in leading both annual as well as capital campaigns. Extensive experience with
grant proposals and major special events.
* Excellent team builder with outstanding people skills. Effective working with
corporate, business and community leaders.
* Other areas of strength include board development, strategic planning, and pro
gram evaluation.
Professional Accomplishments
Management and Organizational
* As a result of reorganization, increased operating group almost two-fold. In
January 2010, expanded operating group from a $10 million dollar operating budge
t with five membership centers to an operating group of nine membership centers
and a $20 million dollar operating budget.
* Provided leadership to opening the newest YMCA in the Chicago Association on C
hicago's West Side in 2009, by collaborating with local organizations. Establis
hed first Local Board of Directors.
* As the Association's Champion for Financial Development, provided leadership t
o the Strong Kids Annual Campaign, where the organization achieved 91 percent of
its overall goal. More than 2.3 million was raised in 2009.
* During tenure at Leap Learning Systems, led the transformation of this small n
ot-for-profit organization to a mid-sized organization by significantly increasi
ng private fundraising and adding new community partners. Established major par
tnership with CPS that involved significant research and training.
* Provided significant leadership to YMCA special events, where an average of $1
.5 million was raised over a five year period.

Work History
Vice President of Operations - YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (June 2008 to presen
t) - Supervise nine YMCA membership centers and four housing units with an opera
ting budget of 20 million dollars. Responsible for ensuring that all operating
units deliver the YMCA's mission, meet their financial objectives, and generate
philanthropy to support the operation's plan. Recommend controls and standards t
o ensure quality performance. Lead the annual fundraising campaign for the orga
nization involving 20 plus membership centers with a goal of $2.5 million dollar
s.
Chief Operating Officer - Urban Gateways (June 2007 to June 2008) - Led the day-
to-day operations of this arts education organization with a three million dolla
r budget. Provided supervision to key departments including finance, developmen
t, marketing and communications, information technology, and property. Responsi
ble for strengthening internal processes and improving operating systems.
Executive Director - Leap learning Systems (May 2002 to June 2007) - Provided le
adership and strategic direction for the organization to meet its goals and obje
ctives. Created an organizational business plan that served as the platform for
growth and expansion of this education focused agency. Heavily involved in bui
lding a philanthropic board. Led all fundraising efforts.
Regional Executive Director - Chicago Youth Centers (March 1999 to May 2002) - S
upervised five youth center locations on Chicago's South Side. Developed annual
operating plans and budgets for all operating units. Responsible for creating
external collaborations and partnerships to support program delivery. Heavily in
volved in financial development.
Vice President of Development-Advocate Charitable Foundation (February 1998 to M
arch 1999) - Responsible for all philanthropic activities including major gift s
olicitation calls, proposal writing, and prospect research. Involved in the org
anization's capital campaign.
Financial Development Director/Neighborhood Centers and Area Director- Chicago Y
outh Centers (August 1991 to February 1998) - Provided financial development con
sultation to 10 neighborhood youth centers for one year. Also, developed propos
als and led local board recruitment. Provided leadership to the organization's c
apital campaign. For six years, managed two operating centers in the Cabrini Gr
een public housing development. Responsible for program planning, evaluation an
d property management. Worked with the local board in carrying out all fundrais
ing initiatives.
Executive Director and Youth Program Director-YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Febr
uary 1985 to August 1991) - For four years of first tenure with the YMCA, served
as the Executive Director of New City YMCA, which was formerly located on Chica
go's near north side. Provided leadership to one of the city's major fundraisin
g events (the Bonanza Auction) that netted over 1.5 million annually for an aver
age of five years. Supervised all departments and oversaw all aspects of budget
ing. Served as Youth Program Director for three years of the now closed Sears Y
MCA. Responsible for all program development and planning.
Professional Worker - Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (July 1978 to
November 1984) - Coordinated youth programs for youth sports, recreation, and t
eenage leadership development.
Education
* Master of Arts/Inner City Studies, 1989, Northeastern Illinois University-Chic
ago, Illinois
* Bachelor of Science/Recreation Administration, 1978, George Williams College-D
owners Grove, Illinois
Professional Affiliations
* Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow
* Grand Boulevard Federation Board Member
* HOST Foundation (Helping Others Smile Too) Adviser
* Black Child Development Institute Board Member
References Available Upon Request