GAY Cookson

Provides proposal development services for academia, local government, and industry, applying funding searches, pipeline development, strategic grant planning, facilitating collaboration, developmental editing, project management, and communication expertise.

Consulted with clients in government, academia, and industry to develop and implement organizational goals, advising on economic development, cross-sector collaboration, business cluster development, grant and contract proposal development, and legislative strategy. Won $10.8 million in grants and contracts in 24 months and established a lithium battery ecosystem strategic plan for the State of Ut

Created and directed a shared-services unit (Research Development Office) to provide strategic support to colleges and PIs, increasing the number and quality of extramural funding proposals to federal agencies. Submitted 110 federal proposals totaling over $180 million in funding requests within two years, resulting in over $24 million in sponsored research.

Collaborated with the Utah State Legislature, federal delegation, appropriation committees, government agencies, nonprofits, industry, and civic organizations to benefit State History, Indian Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Volunteerism, Libraries, and Arts & Museums. Planned and managed a statewide 'Hamilton: The Musical' education program for Title I high schools.

Managed three State budget appropriations totaling $4.3 million, overseeing 18 staff across four locations and seven programs to deliver statewide arts and museum services. Advocated for Arts & Museums with Utah's federal delegation, the Governor, the State Legislature, and appropriation committees.

Designed a $100 million Campaign for the Arts by aligning fundraising priorities with the creative goals of the University of Utah and College of Fine Arts. Tripled the number of Fine Arts donors in two years and increased major gift income by 150% and foundation giving by 70%.

Secured funding for PBS programming, locally produced documentaries, and community outreach projects by developing foundation relationships and competitive proposals. Created and managed major giving and planned giving programs for PBS nationwide and locally at KUED, expanding structured philanthropic opportunities.

Managed major giving programs for PBS Utah, securing six- and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals. Led a $5 million endowment campaign.

Developed foundation relationships and competitive proposals to secure funding for PBS programming and outreach projects.

Managed annual giving, telemarketing, and all government grants by coordinating fundraising activities and maintaining public-sector funding support.

Completed Research Administration Pre-Award training.

Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration.

PhD program in Education, Leadership & Policy, with dissertation on posttraumatic growth in college students.

Completed CITI Training in both Biomedical and Social/Behavioral research, covering ethics, compliance, and safety.

Bachelor's degree in Arts & Finance.

Certificate of Completion from the Yale Divinity School Summer Program.