Mari Patterson Rusch is TISB’s executive director. She is responsible for both fundraising and political affairs. Mari has a national reputation and will be instrumental in both our political and organizational success. She is known for her fund raising skills, political acumen, and arranging activities with a special flair

Mari’s 35 year career in politics and fundraising includes:

• managing 4 congressional campaigns,2 gubernatorial and 1 U.S. Senate campaign
• serving as a congressional chief of staff
• serving as a finance director or providing fundraising consulting for 10 U.S. Senate races.

Additionally, Mari served as National Finance Director for NFIB from 1997 to 2005. Mari developed and directed NFIB’s major donor fundraising program. Mari was successful in growing the program from 16 members in 1997 to over 700 who contributed $1,000+ per year.

Mari also has had years of experience is event organization and management. She organized yearly Annual Meetings for NFIB, the 2000 and 2004 NFIB Inaugural Celebrations, and an international trip to Rome, Italy in 2003 and London, England in 2005.

Mari’s many talents in the areas of political campaigns, fundraising and event management make her the ideal person to serve as Executive Director of TISB.