Bret Ratner

Bret Ratner has over a decade of experience in various roles, primarily in the nonprofit sector. Bret started their career as a Teaching Assistant at Marquette University, where they taught broadcast news writing. Bret then worked as a Contributing Writer for Shepherd Express Newspaper, covering a range of topics including gun control and the Iraq War. Ratner transitioned into politics as a Legislative Aide for the New York State Senate Education Committee, where they researched and wrote bills and maintained the senator's website. Following this, they worked as a Television Producer for YNN, Your News Now, covering local and national stories. Ratner then moved into the field of fundraising and development, serving as a Development Officer for ExpandED Schools and securing significant funding from various organizations. Bret further advanced their career in fundraising by joining Good Shepherd Services as a Grants Manager, Senior Grants Manager, and eventually the Assistant Director of Foundation and Government Grants. In this role, they oversaw a team responsible for securing funding for a diverse portfolio of programs. Most recently, Ratner has been working at The Educational Alliance, Inc as the Director of Institutional Advancement, overseeing their fundraising efforts and managing public contracts. Currently, they hold the position of Vice President of Grants at Good Shepherd Services.

Bret Ratner obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Communication and Media Studies/Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. Bret then went on to Marquette University, where they earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Journalism from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, in March 2017, they completed the Developing Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals at Columbia Business School.