As Chief Marketing and Development Officer at Pathfinder Services in Huntington, Indiana, I led comprehensive communications and fundraising strategies for a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people of all abilities. Pathfinder Services provides crucial support to individuals facing developmental, physical, social, and economic challenges through multiple service lines including education, housing, employment services, and innovative homeownership programs. My role involved directing both external communications and major fundraising initiatives while supervising a six-person creative and business development team.

Key Challenges & Solutions

• Capital Campaign Leadership: Successfully led a $100 million capital campaign to fund the development of the Huntington Arts & Entrepreneurial Center, securing major gifts and grants while building community support for this transformative project.
• Entrepreneurial Center Development: Directed the design and implementation of the Huntington Arts & Entrepreneurial Center, creating new opportunities for program participants and community members to develop skills and businesses.
• Digital Transformation: Led a comprehensive website redesign that improved navigation, accessibility, and user experience, better showcasing Pathfinder’s services and impact stories.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Conceptualized and executed a county-wide concert and art show that increased community awareness and generated new support for inclusion programs.
• Strategic Event Leadership: Directed the design and implementation of high-profile events including the annual board meeting and the regional Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, which became a signature fundraising event across multiple communities.
• Grant Development Excellence: Applied sophisticated research and writing skills to secure $240 million in grant funding, significantly expanding the organization’s capacity to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.