About Jude Bedel

Jude Bedel is a seasoned non-profit management professional with over two decades of experience in development, fundraising, and strategic consulting. A passionate advocate for social justice, she brings a dynamic and multifaceted approach to her work, empowering organizations across a variety of sectors—from the arts to social services—to achieve sustainable impact.

Jude’s career began in the early 2000s at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Washington National Opera in Washington, DC, under the leadership of Plácido Domingo. There, she developed expertise in major gift solicitation, annual fund management, planned giving, and event planning. These early roles shaped her strategic approach to fundraising and her commitment to addressing inequities. Following this, she led a transformational capital campaign at the Arizona Opera in 2010, spearheading organizational growth and the opening of the new Opera Center.

Over the years, Jude expanded her focus beyond the arts to encompass a wide range of social impact initiatives. At My Friend’s Place, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting unhoused youth, she played a pivotal role in securing their first $1 million donation, a landmark achievement that significantly bolstered their ability to deliver essential services. Her work at Senior Legal Services is helping to address the critical legal needs of seniors, while her contributions to the Jerusalem Youth Chorus foster dialogue and unity through music. At New Voices New Orleans, she is building development strategies to expand access to choral music in public schools.

In 2020, Jude founded her consulting studio to provide strategic guidance to organizations navigating complex challenges. Her work includes strengthening fundraising operations, optimizing donor engagement, and developing innovative campaigns for clients such as Emmanuel Music, Steam Coders, and the Compton Conservatory. She has also supported systemic change through initiatives like crafting sustainability campaigns, leading institutional grant strategies, and advancing organizational equity goals.

Jude’s commitment to equity and innovation is evident in her ability to tailor strategies to the unique needs of each organization. From building comprehensive development plans to facilitating leadership transitions and mentoring early-career fundraisers, her expertise has empowered organizations of all sizes to thrive in uncertain environments.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jude’s background as a trained opera singer and violinist informs her holistic perspective, blending creativity with analytical rigor. Her career exemplifies a deep dedication to fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and meaningful change across the nonprofit landscape.