Why I founded Catalyst

I have dedicated my career to helping people bridge revenue gaps to deepen service delivery.

Fundraising has become even more difficult in the last 10 years. 

Today's staff are unprepared for current challenges.

Through decades of experience I can set and achieve targets.

You as a non-profit Board member or CEO must have confidence in meeting budget.

I'm here to help your agency achieve bold outcomes, whether through team training, interim leadership or stakeholder communications.

Our Services

  • Interim Executive

    Interim CEO or Chief Development Officer

  • Capital Campaigns

    From feasibility study to goal accomplishment

  • Major Gifts

    Major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship

  • Board Development

    Design a plan to analyze Board strengths, recruit, orient, train, evaluate, retain and guide directors in their roles and responsibilities.

  • Managing a Crisis

    Prepare your agency for the worst case scenarios, or plan and manage an urgent disaster response

  • Fundraising

    Determining and implementing the best method, whether annual fund drive, direct mail or peer-to-peer

  • Special Events

    Event planning and execution (galas, golf events, auctions, etc.)

Contact Us

Experience

  • In six years at AAMA, Debbie grew the agency from $12M to $21M, raising in excess of $1.5M annually. Debbie was responsible for fund development, marketing and communications activities, as well as three business lines - Adult Education, Work & Learn Center, and Early Childhood Center.

  • At Playworks, Debbie established a new direct service organization by developing funding sources, school partnerships and a local Board of Directors. Debbie led a team that delivered programs to schools throughout Houston, raised $150,000+ in the first year and recruited 24 partner school sites.

  • With Community Counseling Services, based out of New York, Debbie served as onsite fundraising consultant under one-year contracts developing and conducting $15-18M capital campaigns for the Elliott Museum in Stuart, FL, and Diocese of Austin, Austin, TX.

  • As National Director of Agency Fund Development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Debbie worked with national board members—along with affiliate agencies throughout the United States—and provided strategic direction, consulting advice, training and support through development and implementation of customized resources and materials. She raised a combined total of $12 million in 146 agencies nationwide.

  • As President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, Debbie directed the social service agency serving children through one-to-one mentoring program in 5 satellite offices with over 50 employees throughout Southeast Texas. Debbie quadrupled the number of children and annual operating budget by increasing revenues by over 200%.

  • At Girl Scouts of San Jacinto, Debbie oversaw council marketing, communications, product sales and fundraising activities. Debbie staffed eight volunteer committees, handled crisis management, spoke at conferences and media events, as well as recruited and cultivated corporate contacts, prominent volunteers and donors. She created a first-ever award-winning annual fundraising event clearing $160,000 in the first year.

What People Are Saying

“Debbie Ortiz knows what it takes to build a successful organization. She’s extremely hard-working and that drives those around her to do more.”

— Chris Bell, Former Congressman and Houston City Councilman

“Debbie brings with her a diverse background. Her professionalism and the quality of the services she offers is unparalleled. She consistently strives to deliver above the expected with exceptional results.”

— J. Malloy, Sr. Director - Major Gifts, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network

“Debbie is smart, focused and data-driven. I’ve seen her work in challenging circumstances and on tight deadlines and have been repeatedly impressed with her ability.”

— Karen Mudd, Non-profit Executive

“Debbie brings to bear her skills and experiences that include fundraising and working with NFPs to build their revenue streams by conducting workshops, developing strategies, training volunteers, and driving results.”

— Carlos de Quesada, Consultant, VeraCruz Advisory, LLC

“I have marveled at [Debbie’s] willingness to tackle the most difficult of projects, dedication and determination to always get the job done in the most effective way. She has exhibited an uncanny ability to analyze and resolve complex issues.”

— Ann Werner, Healthcare Executive