DENVER/February 15, 2019 – Ryan Welch, a passionate and philanthropic fundraiser, has joined Morris Animal Foundation as Chief Development Officer. Welch, who comes to the Foundation from Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPM), is charged with setting strategies and priorities to advance the Foundation’s mission of bringing together science and resources to address critical animal health challenges.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to the Foundation,” said Morris Animal Foundation President/CEO Tiffany Grunert. “He has a proven track record of securing significant gifts, and skill in designing and implementing successful philanthropic programs. We know he will be an effective leader in our efforts to raise funds to support studies giving animals everywhere longer, healthier lives.”
Welch brings 16 years of fundraising and relationship management experience to his new role. During his nine years at RMPM, he built and maintained relationships with foundations, stakeholders and community partners with excellent levels of retention and loyalty. He and his team earned $14.5 million in annual revenue and $30 million in a capital campaign for a new media center. Prior to that, he worked at Coca-Cola Enterprises, where he managed a team responsible for $2.5 million in annual beverage and equipment sales.
“Animals are members of our family and I’ve always had a strong passion for the care and treatment of them,” said Welch. “Whenever I had to say goodbye to one of my feline companions, I always wondered if there was more I could have done. l love knowing that, now, my daily work supports the education, research and knowledge to unlock new discoveries and bring revolutionary treatments into practice.”
Welch received his Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas. He also is active in the community as a Board Member and Development Chair for Bright by Three, and a member of both the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable and the Colorado Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Morris Animal Foundation is a global leader in supporting studies to find solutions to serious health threats to animals. Since its founding in 1948, the Foundation has invested more than $126 million in over 2,670 studies that have improved the health and quality of life for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife around the world.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
