Rudi Pakendorf, CFRE brings a unique perspective stemming from a broad non-profit background, honed by leadership roles in education, financial services, and fundraising on two continents. Born on a mission station in South Africa, Rudi spent his youth there and then worked for a Fortune 500 company in the U.S. for 20 years. Prior to joining Walsh & Associates, Rudi led fundraising teams at a college and a large social services organization.
A former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NE Wisconsin chapter, Rudi is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE) and is currently engaged in project work for his Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising through the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving (part of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy).
Rudi has extensive fundraising experience in annual campaigns, major and planned giving, and capital campaigns. He particularly enjoys cultivating and stewarding donor relationships. And, he has a strong interest in congregational vitality and the mission of the church. Those combine to make Rudi an informed and passionate fundraising cheerleader for the churches we serve.
Rudi completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in South Africa, where as a high school teacher he taught languages, initiated a gifted and talented program, and coached sports. He lives in Appleton, Wisconsin and is a member of First English Lutheran Church where he is an active lay leader. His wife, Carmen, is a retired RN who worked in home and hospice care, and they have two married daughters and are proud grandparents of two grandsons. Rudi has completed three full and three half-marathons and enjoys reading.
