Steve Rusk, CFRE is a strategic problem-solver and direct response fundraising expert who carefully examines activity and data to provide actionable insights that become effective solutions to marketing challenges.

As a seasoned creative communicator, Steve combines his ability to stay on top of the latest media trends with his more than four decades of experience in advertising, marketing and fundraising to help clients achieve their goals.

Prior to joining Newport ONE, Steve was Sr. Vice President, Client Services for Meyer Partners in Chicago. He previously served as a Vice President in Client Services at Russ Reid Company in Pasadena, California.

Steve’s first fundraising role was an Associate Director of Mission Giving at the Chicago headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). He began his career as an advertising copywriter and creative director, working for several leading ad agencies including J. Walter Thompson.

Steve is a recipient of numerous industry awards including the Direct Marketing Association’s International Gold Echo Award, multiple Tempo Awards from the Chicago Association of Direct Marketers, multiple recognitions from the annual Clio Awards Festival (advertising’s Oscar), and five consecutive awards from the American Marketing Association of New York’s EFFIE Awards for Advertising Effectiveness.