AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS FOUNDATION - contract
Nonprofit Strategy & Development Consultant
Engaged to assess, strengthen, and reposition a national charitable foundation associated with a professional membership organization.

• Conduct organizational assessment of fundraising systems, governance practices, donor engagement, and operational infrastructure.
• Advise board leadership on strategic priorities, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop comprehensive fundraising and donor stewardship strategy.
• Recommend policies, procedures, and performance metrics to strengthen operational effectiveness.
• Support board development, stakeholder engagement, communications, and organizational positioning.
• Create implementation roadmap for expanding philanthropic impact and revenue generation.

HARTFORD HEALTHCARE – CENTRAL REGION | New Britain and Meriden, CT 1 yr
Regional Director of Philanthropy and Volunteer Services
Hired to manage, grow, and diversify financial resources and uncover new funding sources two hospitals and two additional off-site healthcare facilities. Manage and develop the information desks and volunteer programs for the same facilities.

• Planned and executed strategic initiatives that reflect the emerging needs of these healthcare facilities.
• Secure more than one million dollars in philanthropic funds to meet programs, equipment, and service needs.
• Manage operations including fiscal management, strategic planning, HR management and coaching for two major departments including over 35 staff.
• Build relationships with key partners in corporations, the community and internally to leverage resources and fulfill funding and staffing demands and requirements.

FARMINGTON COMMUNITY & RECREATIONAL SERVICES | Farmington, CT 2 yrs
Community Resource Specialist (part-time)
Hired to develop outside financial resources and uncover new funding sources for department initiatives. Served the grant-writing and external communication needs of 3 departments: youth services, recreation & social services.

YWCA OF NEW BRITAIN | New Britain, CT 3yrs
Co-Executive Director (Chief Operating & Development Officer Functions)
Provided executive leadership for a $3 million multi-site human services organization with more than 90 employees, overseeing finance, operations, human resources, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, and community partnerships. Partnered closely with the Board of Directors to advance organizational growth, strengthen sustainability, and expand community impact across Central Connecticut.

• Directed organizational operations, financial management, grants administration, human resources, and strategic initiatives while ensuring alignment between mission, program outcomes, and available resources.
• Led fundraising and development efforts including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events, strengthening and diversifying organizational revenue streams.
• Oversaw a broad portfolio of community programs serving children, families, survivors of sexual violence, and underserved populations, expanding organizational reach and impact throughout the region.
• Guided the growth and operational management of childcare services serving more than 300 children daily, supporting working families and improving access to quality early childhood education.
• Spearheaded expansion of sexual assault crisis services throughout the Greater New Britain and Hartford region, including the development, launch, and staffing of a new crisis services location in Hartford.
• Represented the organization in statewide collaborations and advocacy efforts, serving as a key liaison with government agencies, community organizations, funders, and regional service providers.
• Led planning efforts for a major capital campaign and facility renovation project, including feasibility assessment, strategic campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, and management of the RFP process for construction services.
• Revitalized major gift and planned giving initiatives, strengthening donor engagement and long-term philanthropic support.
• Modernized fundraising operations through implementation of eTapestry donor management software, improving donor intelligence, reporting capabilities, and relationship management practices.
• Built and led high-performing cross-functional teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission-driven service.

FOUNDATION OF SPECIAL CARE (long-term rehab facility) | New Britain, CT 3 yrs
Foundation Director / Major Gifts Officer
Managed hospital foundation, budget responsibility, and program development with a team of three direct reports. Developed progressive strategies and built relationships to secure major gifts from corporations, individuals, and private and public foundation grants raising over $900k.

Prior Roles
Director of Finance and Development, American Red Cross, Middletown, CT
Executive Director, American Red Cross, New Britain, CT

++ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE++

RISING TIDES WELLNESS by LESLIE | CT 10yrs+
Principal
Founded and operated all aspects of a health & wellness consultative practice providing services in personal training, health and wellness coaching, massage therapy, and reiki. Using relationship-building skills from nonprofit development, built business successfully through two out-of-state moves, reaching 25 clients/week with a strong referral base. Certified as a GGS menopause coaching specialist, an orthopedic massage therapist, personal trainer, and health coach.