Arts/Culture/Humanities

"I met Darnell in 1998, on a business trip in Puerto Rico. We became fast friends and since that time, Darnell has been an advisor, mentor, and business partner. For nearly 20 years, I have watched him grow to become an expert in his field. I have personal experience working with him on fundraising, branding, marketing and events management. He thoroughly executes his projects with expertise and efficiency. Darnell is one of the first calls I make before launching into a project."

Sean Long - Two Time Emmy Award Winning Producer, Director of Programming at Weigel Broadcasting

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"I have known Darnell Burtin since 2005. His mentorship has directly impacted my personal advancement as a professional athlete in the NFL and now as a successful entrepreneur. I wholeheartedly recommend Darnell because of his knowledge and experience in the areas of branding, marketing, fundraising, and also conducting large events. He fully understands the intricacies of educating his clients and helping them to execute with professionalism. I suggest hiring Darnell for your next project today!" http://chicagoinno.streetwise.co/2016/07/26/how-corey-mays-went-from-nfl-linebacker-to-angel-investor/

Corey L Mays - Retired NFL Linebacker, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

Associations and Foundations

"I’ve known Darnell for over 15 years and worked closely with him during our tenure at The YMCA. As such, I was able to observe not only his solid knowledge of the logistics around fundraising but I also experienced his ability to think and act strategically, his keen intuition and exceptional relationship building skills. This was incredibly important in a competitive market like that of the city of Chicago with a plethora of not for profit organizations doing important work. In the country’s current climate, Darnell’s skills and talents are a commodity worth your investment. When considering a consulting firm I urge you to consider partnering with a results oriented pacesetter like Darnell Burtin and the Burtin Group."

Fran Bell – Retired VP Y of Metro Chicago and Not –for-Profit Consultant

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"I've known Darnell Burtin to be one of the most strategic, growth-oriented business leaders of my time. In an era which requires our leaders to be business and tech savvy at the same time, as well as diplomat, Darnell has shown the temperament and prowess to operate with adept level of leadership required to manage in these times. During his time working with the Association Management sector he and I worked very closely to launch many new initiatives and products in the Marketing & Advertising space. His depth of knowledge and ability to learn new markets was quite impressive. As a consensus builder and strong leader, he used these traits to lead a membership drive which saw a 25% incremental increase YOY. If you're looking for an effective, proven partner to take your interests to the next level, Darnell is that person."

Paul A. McDonnough, Manager, Global Events, American Express Global Business Travel

Education

"I had the pleasure to work with Darnell at Georgetown. He is a strong relationship manager, very personable and uses these skills to close gifts. He is service oriented and looks at the big picture. And he is considerate and encouraging to support staff."

Eric Billman, Director of Advancement, The University of Queensland

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“Dr. Anika has a wealth of knowledge and is an intentional and passionate thought partner in the education space.”

Reem Labib, M.Ed.-Founder/President, EDspired

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“Dr. Anika's reputation as a demanding, but sensitive and supportive, teacher educator for a local and prestigious university was well known, reflecting her expertise in the field of educator preparation.”

Michelle Dunkle - Program Approval and Assessment Branch, Maryland State Department of Education

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“As a teacher educator and coach in Chicago and the Chicagoland area, Dr. Burtin’s mentorship has been invaluable to my growth and development.”

Duane B. Davis - CEO Raising Expectations Incorporated, Instructional Improvement Leader at Thomas Kelly High School

International Organizations

"Darnell is a visionary on the macro level with the strategic capabilities to execute his vision on the micro level. That combination is rare among the upper-management ranks, but Darnell proves that it is possible. Darnell inspired our team to aim for greatness on a daily basis while challenging each of us to think about how our productivity will impact the organization and growth over the long-term. Under Darnell’s leadership, our team had a healthy competition with one another internally and maintained a voracious appetite to outperform our competitors externally. It is with pleasure that I recommend Darnell. He would be a benefit to any organization’s strategic plan."

Braynard (Bobby) Brown, Senior Associate, Institutional Sales at Rockefeller & Co., Inc.

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"I have known Darnell for more than 15 years during which time we have worked on a few projects together most notably fundraising efforts researching the validity of starting a non-profit centered around the wine & spirits industry. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping us secure second round seed funding for http://www.heritagelinkbrands.com/

If you are looking for someone to help enhance your efforts around fundraising, business development or branding I'd absolutely recommend the services of the Burtin Group."

Selena Cuffe - President & CEO, Heritage Link Brands

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"I worked with Darnell Burtin for a number of years when he worked for Special Olympics Inc... specifically in the area of Major gifts. I found his collaboration refreshing along with his ability to surface donors with high capacity and put me in front of them to help bring the gifts to close. If looking for a consultant I'd definitely recommend Darnell Burtin"

Beau Doherty - President, Special Olympics Connecticut

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Youth Rehabilitation Services

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Burtin Group over the last 2 years here at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in Washington D.C.. Mr. Darnell Burtin was able to design and deliver a very creative & innovative presentation for our residents at New beginnings Youth Development Center on proper and appropriate Social Media Etiquette & Cyber Citizenship. The presentation was very interactive, relevant and engaging and was praised by all participants as well as staff who were present. We will definitely be inviting Mr. Darnell Burtin back out to design and deliver culturally appropriate content that will help to reduce the recidivism rate for youth in the Nations Capitol."

Mack McGhee, MA, Chief of Secure Services, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services