St. Paul, MN. - April 23, 2010 - The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS), is the only statewide source for training, information, resources and support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), is proud to announce and welcome Robert R. Gustafson as the organization's Development Director. Gustafson will be responsible for all aspects of fund development for the organization. This will include individual donors, corporate sponsors, special events, and grants.
Sara Messelt, Executive Director of MOFAS states "I am delighted that Bob Gustafson has joined the MOFAS team as our Development Director. Bob brings a wealth of experience in the development arena and a deep commitment to healthy Minnesota families. His strong leadership will be instrumental in bringing additional support and resources to MOFAS as we work to achieve our mission."
Gustafson joins the MOFAS team from the March of Dimes, Minnesota Chapter. While at the March of Dimes, Gustafson served as State Director of five locations including the chapter office and four division offices statewide for over seven years. Gustafson was successful at developing and implementing a growth strategy for the March of Dimes where he grew the MN chapter from $1.7 to $2.9 million through improved customer service with existing corporate partners, new donor cultivation, volunteer recruitment and professional staff development. He also provided leadership in securing two major revenue streams that resulted in the Minnesota Chapter winning the President's Team Award for outstanding financial performance in 2007.
Gustafson also brings over 19 years of combined experience as the President for Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, Grand Forks, ND and TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, Minnetonka, MN. His responsibilities at the Chambers included membership development, volunteer development, business advocacy, education foundation and member services. While he was President of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce he led the growth of membership from 489 members to 900 members and raised the budget from $135,000 to $425,000 within five years. Mr. Gustafson holds a BS in Social Science from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
“I am excited to help make a difference with those living with FASD and their families. I am thrilled to use the knowledge and experience from the March of Dimes at MOFAS. Through my involvement with the March of Dimes, I have always supported educating moms to have healthy babies, which is the passionate mission of MOFAS."
MOFAS was founded in 1998 by former First Lady, Susan Carlson, and works around the state of Minnesota to educate and train about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and to provide intervention and support for those individuals and families already affected. For more information contact MOFAS at 651-917-2370 or toll-free 1-866-90-MOFAS; 1885 University Avenue, Suite 395, St. Paul, MN 55104; www.mofas.org.