The Talent Initiative Inc
The Talent Initiative Inc Partners
Founder and President, Vern Henricks, is a development professional with twenty-nine years of experience, who speaks and consults extensively on the importance of developing relationships. His experience in senior development positions has given him a broad view of the world of non-profit organizations, allowing him to help them develop strategic plans and establish goals for success.
The Henricks Group
- President(October 1995 — present)
Manhattan Christian College
- Vice President for Institutional Advancement(August 2006 — present)
Youth Leadership Foundation
- President and Founder(October 2004 — present)
Manhattan Sports Academy
- President and Owner(November 2003 — 2008)
Hartsook Companies
- Senior Vice President(July 2005 — August 2006)
Kansas State University Foundation
- Vice President for Major Gift Programs(December 2000 — 2005)
Director of Constituent Development(October 1997 — December 2000)
- Iowa State University Foundation
Executive Director of Development, College of Engineering (August 1991 - September 1997)
- University of Pittsburgh
Director for Development, School of Engineering (March 1990 - August 1991)
- Humboldt State University
Associate Athletic Director (September 1987 - March 1990)
- Fort Hays State University
- Assistant Athletic Director (July 1981 - September 1987)
- Head Baseball Coach (August 1979 - September 1987)
We Help Establish Goals & Strategies
Every non-profit organization has different goals, but they all have one need – a solid plan to get there. Without that critical piece, the precious resources of time, talent, and capital can easily be lost. Do you know how you will position your capital campaign for the most impact? Will you be able to structure an annual giving campaign to sustain your overhead? Is your board of directors perfectly aligned with the goals of your organization? Vern has helped organizations develop strategic plans that answer these and many other questions.
The Henricks Group is focused when it comes to the world of development. We believe in promoting relationships as the key to solid, long-term donor commitment. We can help you educate your donors about the idea of philanthropy as a lifestyle and help your leadership embrace development as a strategic part of the organization’s life.
We Provide Leadership
For years, Vern has been helping non-profit organizations find success in development, management, and leadership. That’s because he becomes a member of your team, rather than an outsider with new ideas. He gets to know your challenges, then brings his experience to help you overcome them. He has a non-profit background as both a leader and philanthropist so he is intimately familiar with your organizational issues. Like you, he is committed to the long-term success of your organization and your relationship with your donors.
We Specialize In:
- Annual Giving Campaigns
- Major Gift Programs
- Feasibility / Readiness Studies
- Capital Campaigns
- Strategic Planning / Thinking
- Board and Leadership Development
- Organizational Development
Vernon J. Henricks
Background Information
"It is my goal everyday to 'make a difference' in the lives of those with whom I interact," says Vern. "Fundraising is about building relationships and helping others achieve their goals. It's not about me - it's about people and programs. God has given me the ability to 'change lives' by building partnerships between individuals who have the ability and interest to impact lives with those who have the knowledge and expertise."
Vern has enjoyed a distinguished and successful thirty-one year career as a fundraising professional. Currently, in conjunction with his consulting practice, he serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Manhattan Christian College and as the Crusaders Head Baseball Coach. In June of 2006, Vern was approached by Manhattan Christian College to assist with two strategic objectives—raise funds to expand the campus infrastructure and begin a baseball program to help with enrollment growth and sports ministry. Provided the perfect opportunity to work with all his passions, coaching, fundraising, and consulting, Vern enjoys the daily opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many.
Prior to his recent appointment, Vern served as Senior Vice President for the Hartsook Companies fundraising consulting firm. Joining Harstook Companies provided the company with an opportunity to expand into new client services through his experience in working with small non-profits and institutions of higher education. It provided Vern with experience of working world-wide and operating a practice.
Prior to joining Harstook, he served as Vice President of Major Gift Programs at the Kansas State University Foundation. While there he was able to build a development team from six to twenty-five major gift professionals. The results were dramatic as commitments to Kansas State University programs increased from $22 million to over $90 million in just eight years. As a part of his leadership, Vern designed, developed, and launched K-State’s successful $500 million “Changing Lives” campaign.
While working for the Iowa State University Foundation, Vern played a significant role in three major campaigns—the $200 million Partnership for Prominence Campaign, $60 million ISU Scholarship Campaign, and $300 million Campaign Destiny. In addition, Vern also played the leadership role in the successful planning, marketing and development of the largest capital project on campus and in Iowa—a $60 million Engineering Teaching and Research Complex. During his ISU tenure, he secured the University’s two largest commitments in their history.
As President of The Henricks Group, Vern brings a wealth of experience to his clients. He has played a leadership role in seven major campaigns ranging from $50 million to $500 million in three different universities. He provides expertise in board development for all types of organizations and major gift fundraising for athletic programs, churches, higher education, museums, and youth organizations to clients nationwide. Vern has been a featured speaker at many local, regional and national conferences on topics such as campaign planning and organization, leadership development, making the ask, benchmarking development programs, motivating development teams, team building, board development and building a development team. As a writer, he has been published in Development and Alumni Relations Report, Major Gifts Report and other industry publications.
As the youngest head baseball coach in collegiate baseball right out of college, fundraising was not Vern's first priority. He soon realized he had a gift, not only as a winning baseball coach but as a fundraiser and leader. He is an active community leader and volunteer in youth sports and leadership programs. He is the founder and president of both the Manhattan Sports Academy and Youth Leadership Foundation. Vern fully understands the commitment involved in initiating, maintaining and growing a nonprofit organization. Vern, and his wife Lane, have two children, Jordan age 23 and Lauren age 18.
Vern Henricks
