Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Chief Development Officers of 2024. As the architects of strategic development, Chief Development Officers play a pivotal role in securing essential funding, expanding opportunities, and fostering meaningful partnerships. Their leadership is crucial to achieving both short- and long-term goals, making them the driving force behind their organizations’ continued success. This year’s awardees are at the forefront of driving innovation and development across various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, education, and nonprofits.
Among these leaders is Sherri Bishop, Chief Development Officer for University Hospitals. Raising more than $1.5 billion, Bishop oversees a team of 85 and the long-term strategic plan for significant growth of philanthropic revenue and all fundraising activities for the UH system.
We also recognize Megan Muske, Chief Development Officer of Second Harvest Heartland, a leading hunger relief organization. During her first year with Second Harvest Heartland, Muske led the organization to its most successful fundraising year in its 40-year history.
Finally, we honor Api Appulingam, Chief Development Officer of Philadelphia International Airport, where she oversees a multi-billion dollar program tasked with making critical improvements and developing new infrastructure at both Philadelphia International Airport and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Chief Development Officers of 2024.
1. Tabassum Zalotrawala
Chief Development Officer, McDonald's
Tabassum Zalotrawala is the Chief Development Officer of McDonald's, the world’s leading global food service retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. She joined McDonald’s in 2023 after over four years as chief development officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where she led a holistic restaurant turnaround strategy and all aspects of real estate development for the US, Canada, and Europe.
At Chipotle, Zalotrawala also oversaw the Center of Excellence for Design and Construction to ensure restaurants reflected the appropriate brand image and provided a convenient and welcoming customer experience. Zalotrawala’s Bachelor’s in Fine Arts is complemented by her completion of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, an intensive program that creates transformational leaders capable of tackling an organization’s toughest challenges.
Zalotrawala was honored with the Exceptional Women Awardee award in 2020 and serves on the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Board of Trustees. She also serves on the board of directors of Diamond Rock Hospitality Company, a publicly traded self-advised Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and is involved in nonprofit work as a sponsor for Sahiyo, an organization with a mission to empower Asian and other communities to create positive social change through dialogue, education, and collaboration based on community involvement.
2. Courtney Jofuku
Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross
Courtney Jofuku is the Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Jofuku is a fundraising veteran with over 25 years of nonprofit development and sales experience. She joined the LA Region in September 2020 as the director of individual and foundation giving and successfully increased fundraising results while managing the region’s dynamic Tiffany Circle Philanthropic Society. Jofuku started her nonprofit career in corporate development at the American Heart Association and progressed to an executive director role, leading the Association’s Silicon Valley Division, and then to senior vice president of field operations, where she oversaw six division fundraising campaigns. She then transitioned into a lead role in the Major Gifts program.
Before returning to the American Heart Association, Jofuku worked for KIPP SoCal Public Schools, where she led a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign via major gifts, foundation, and corporate sponsorships. With her focus on elevating existing donor relationships and cultivating new funders, she helped establish new department structures and protocols for long-term campaign success. Jofuku graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University and is a proud mom.
3. Sherri Bishop
Chief Development Officer, University Hospitals
Sherri Bishop is the Chief Development Officer of University Hospitals (UH). She joined UH as CDO and senior vice president of institutional relations and development in 2004. Raising more than $1.5 billion, Bishop led UH’s highly successful Discover the Difference campaign, which concluded in May 2017. She now oversees a team of 85 and the long-term strategic plan for significant growth of philanthropic revenue and all fundraising activities for the UH system.
Before UH, Bishop was Vice chairman of institutional relations and development at the Cleveland Clinic, where she held positions of increasing responsibility for 13 years. Before that, she was a business and health law attorney with McDonald Hopkins and a nationally-ranked sales manager at Procter & Gamble, as well as a leader in their national Sales Management Training School.
Bishop earned her JD from Case Western Reserve University Law School in 1990 and a BA in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. She also attended the University of Oxford in England for comparative legal studies in 1997. Bishop serves on the System’s Executive Committee and oversees the Board of Development and the Campaign Committee.
4. Tricia Bunten
Chief Development Officer, University of Minnesota
Tricia Bunten is the Chief Development Officer of the University of Minnesota (UMD). She first joined the team in 2001. One of the nation’s largest schools, the University of Minnesota is made up of five campuses in Minnesota, including Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul).
When Bunten started at UMD in 2001, she was the development director for the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and was later promoted to a senior development director position. In 2010, she was hired as the chief development officer. Previously, Bunten was a foundation director at Bemidji State University, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation. Before that, she was an interior field rep at the American Heart Association.
Bunten earned a Master's degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree in history and international relations from Cornell College.
5. Laura Nettleton
Executive Director & Chief Development Officer, The University of Texas at Austin
Laura Nettleton is the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of The University of Texas at Austin, one of the largest public universities in the United States. Founded in 1883, the university has grown from a single building, eight teachers, two departments, and 221 students to a 350-acre main campus with 21,000 faculty and staff, 16 colleges and schools, and more than 50,000 students.
In her role, Nettleton is responsible for all major gift fundraising related to The University of Texas Alumni Association, Texas Exes, and general major gift fundraising for the university. She also oversees the growth, management, and advisory of Texas Exes' expanding development needs and projects, working closely with various stakeholders, including the board of directors. With 12 years of experience in nonprofit development, she has honed her strengths in executive team leadership, major gifts, community engagement, board engagement, grants, and corporate partnerships.
Before joining The University of Texas at Austin, Nettleton was a director of development at Explore Austin. Before that, she was a senior development officer at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Earlier in her career, she worked with The University of Texas at Austin as a teaching assistant. Nettleton graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with an MA in Advertising and from Hope College with an undergraduate degree in psychology and women's studies.
6. Ashley Nordberg
Chief Development Officer, Centura Health
Ashley Nordberg is the Nordberg of Centura Health. Since forming as a management company in 1996, AdventHealth and CommonSpirit Health have worked together to meet the needs of communities across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah.
Previously, Nordberg was the advisor for mission advancement at the American Heart Association, where she played a key role for nearly two years. Before that, she served as the vice president of development for Denver Social Campaigns at the same organization. Earlier in her career, she worked as the executive director at the Arthritis Foundation in the Greater Memphis area. Nordberg graduated from the University of Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in marketing communications.
7. Julienne Smith
Chief Development Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Julienne Smith is currently the Chief Development Officer for IHG Hotels & Resorts, where she oversees the company’s growth in the Americas region. IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs.
Before joining IHG, she was senior vice president of development and owner relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation based in Chicago from 2014 until 2019, where she was responsible for franchised and managed development in the United States and Canada. Previously, Smith served as vice president of real estate and development, where she helped launch and oversee the growth of Hyatt’s select service brands throughout the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Smith held several positions within Marriott International’s Lodging Development group in Bethesda, MD, and Newport Beach, CA, before joining Hyatt in 2005.
Smith is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences. She is an active member of several hospitality industry organizations, including AHLA and ULI. She also serves on the Advisory and Planning Committees for the Hunter Hotel Conference, The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, and AHLA’s ForWard. Within IHG, Smith serves on the Global and Americas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Councils. Since 2018, Smith has been on the Board of Kaleidoscope Inc., a nonprofit child welfare agency, and volunteers for various charitable organizations in the Atlanta area. She is an avid reader, Yoga enthusiast, traveler, and outdoor adventurer. A native of New Jersey, she currently resides in the city of Atlanta with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
8. Jennifer Svihus
Chief Development Officer, PeaceHealth
Jennifer Svihus is the Chief Development Officer of PeaceHealth, a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Svihus provides philanthropy leadership to the network development staff and the three volunteer boards for Sacred Heart, Cottage Grove, and Peace Harbor Foundations. She also works closely with providers and key leaders to build upon the culture of gratitude in the Oregon network.
Svihus came to PeaceHealth after serving for three years as the president and chief philanthropy officer for the Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital Foundation in the San Francisco Bay area. During that time, she secured multiple seven-figure gifts, including the largest gift in Sequoia Hospital history: $10 million toward Sequoia’s Heart and Vascular Institute. Before her work with the Sequoia Hospital Foundation, Svihus was the vice president of philanthropy for Sutter Health’s Valley Region in Modesto, CA. She directed all aspects of philanthropy for three area hospitals, two medical foundations, and four philanthropic boards. She doubled giving in the region from $2.5 million to $5 million in five years.
Svihus also held a leadership role with the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, NV, where she developed and managed a comprehensive major gift fundraising program. Before her time in healthcare, Svihus worked in the development offices at UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz. Svihus earned her Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, before receiving her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Chapman University in Orange, Calif.
9. Grace Linhard
Chief Development Officer, Nuvance Health
Grace Linhard is the Chief Development Officer of Nuvance Health, a system of nonprofit hospitals and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut.
Previously, she was the chief development officer at Western Connecticut Health Network, where she served for five years. Before that, she was the executive director and vice president at the Western Connecticut Health Network Foundation for Danbury and New Milford Hospitals, and she worked as the vice president at the Danbury Hospital Development Fund. Earlier in her career, Linhard worked in various development positions at United Way in Waterbury, Danbury, and Washington DC. She graduated from Stonehill College with an undergraduate degree in communication.
11. Jaha Williams
Chief Development Officer, University of Houston
Today, Jaha Williams is the Chief Development Officer for Student Success at the University of Houston, overseeing fundraising and development over UH’s College of Education, Honors College, Division of Student Affairs, MD Anderson Library, and President Khator’s $300 million “Students Matter” initiative to support scholarships. In her private life, she is a member of the Fallbrook Baptist Church in Houston, a volunteer executive for Track Houston Youth Track Club, and a certified level 1 coach in track and field. Williams has successfully trained several elite youths in the track and field sport who subsequently went on to qualify for the USATF Junior Olympics. These talented young athletes with her coaching have gone on to compete both at the collegiate and professional levels.
Williams has 20 years of fundraising experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector. Her career began in 2002 as a campaign manager for United Way in the Greater New Orleans area. She became the director of fund development at the Montgomery County United Way after relocating to Houston with her family in 2005. In that position, she led all aspects of fundraising development, marketing, corporate relations, managing the annual fund, and leadership giving. Williams transitioned into higher education fundraising in 2009 when she accepted a position at Texas Southern University to oversee annual giving and major gifts in the Office of Development. In 2011, she joined the University of Houston System at UH-Downtown to direct most of the fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, the annual fund, and alumni relations. In 2016, she transferred to UH’s Central Campus to support University Advancement and the College of Education as senior director of advancement.
Williams is a proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1996. She continued her education by attending the University of New Orleans in 2000, where she received her Master’s degree in Public Administration.
12. Shirley Hartman
Chief Development Officer, George Mason University
Shirley Hartman is the Chief Development Officer of George Mason University, Virginia’s largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington DC, Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and 50 states and has a residential population of more than 6,000 students.
Hartman’s first leadership role was as a director of development at the National Audubon Society. From there, she went on to The Sage Colleges, before eventually rising to chief development officer and consultant at the nonprofit Spirit of America, her most recent position before joining George Mason University. Hartman graduated from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government with an MPA in Nonprofit Management and from Hartwick College with an undergraduate degree in economics and political science.
13. Mary Stata
Chief Development Officer, Mercy Corps
Mary Stata is the Chief Development Officer of Mercy Corps. She first joined the team in 2017 as director of foundation partnerships. Mercy Corps is a global non-governmental, humanitarian aid organization.
Stata brings 15 years of professional experience spanning policy, philanthropy, and fundraising. She leads Mercy Corps' global fundraising efforts with individual donors, foundations, and companies. She partners closely with the office of the CEO, the board of directors, and the chief marketing and communications officer to position Mercy Corps as the partner of choice for high-impact philanthropists seeking to build a better world. Through her strategy and vision, she is guiding the fundraising team toward greater impact.
Stata started her career in education, living and working in rural India before focusing on peacebuilding and human rights policy in Washington DC. Before joining Mercy Corps, she served as a program officer for Humanity United, traveling extensively throughout Africa and managing grantmaking programs in Burundi and Zimbabwe. Stata earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Calvin University.
14. Cheryl Fletcher
Chief Development Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Cheryl Fletcher is the Chief Development Officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a national fast-casual restaurant brand built on a mission to Inspire Better, a commitment that starts with their better-for-you food and smoothies and extends to inspiring better in the communities they serve.
Fletcher has 17 years of experience. She is a results-driven executive with a broad business background in finance and development, with expertise in strategic planning, investor relations, financial planning and analysis, project management, and process improvements. She is a highly motivated professional with strong communication and analytical skills. With extensive experience in the restaurant and franchise industry, she has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to take on new challenges, increase revenue growth, and improve profitability.
Before joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Fletcher was a vice president of franchise development at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with AFC Enterprises Inc. as a director of investor relations. Fletcher graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business with an MBA in Finance and Operations, from the University of Arizona with a Master's in Nutritional Science, and from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.
15. Tamara Tranter
Chief Development Officer, USA Hockey
Today, Tamara Tranter is the Chief Development Officer of USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States. Tranter has developed comprehensive fundraising plans, executed capital campaigns, and expanded cultivation and stewardship events. At the Colorado School of Mines Foundation, the world-renowned cutting-edge research institution, Tranter maximized the school’s financial reach. While the director of development of major gifts at Wayne State University, Tranter emphasized relationship-building strategies and the importance of aligning the philanthropic goals of donors with intentional initiatives of academic programs.
With over 25 years of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit and collegiate sports sectors, Tranter navigates the most meaningful opportunities to connect others to transformational solutions. Notably, as the associate director of athletics at Wayne State University, she advised hundreds of senior leaders and key stakeholders, managed several diverse teams and departments, oversaw six varsity sports programs, and originated and implemented new processes and programs to improve the athletic department's operations.
Tranter takes the power of impact to new heights by generously offering her support to organizations like the Special Olympics Colorado, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Women Leaders in College Sports, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, among others. She has participated in executive leadership programs at Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and has a Master's degree in Kinesiology and Sports Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Wayne State University.
16. Alisa Smallwood
Chief Development Officer, Holy Cross Health
Alisa Smallwood is the Chief Development Officer of Holy Cross Health. She first joined the team in 2020. Holy Cross Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, people-centered health system that serves the two most populous counties in Maryland, Montgomery and Prince George’s, with a commitment to being the most trusted provider of healthcare services in the area.
Smallwood brings more than 27 years of experience supporting organizations in healthcare, higher education, arts and culture, and social services. In her current role, she leads the planning, development, implementation, and management of all fundraising-related gift program initiatives with a focus on major, transformational, and planned gifts. These in turn support the long-term, sustainable, and transformative growth that is responsive to the evolving needs and strategic direction of Holy Cross Health. Before joining Holy Cross Health, she was a vice president for Skystone Partners, where she consulted with clients in nonprofit organizations in arts and culture, higher education, healthcare, and social services sectors across the United States.
Smallwood is a former board member of Certified Fundraising Executives (CFRE) International, has held the designation of CFRE since 1999, and was named a Master Trainer by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in 2011. Smallwood earned her Bachelor of Music from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Music in Music Theory from Indiana University.
17. Niki Mason
Chief Development Officer, Maverik, Inc.
Niki Mason is the Chief Development Officer of Maverik, Inc. Maverik fuels adventures in more than 350 locations across 11 western states, making it the largest independent fuel marketer in the Intermountain West.
Mason has 30 years of experience. Before joining Maverik, Inc., she was a senior vice president of store development at Kum & Go, a company she served for over two decades. Earlier in her career, she worked with Hy Vee as an assistant manager. Mason graduated from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an MBA in Business Administration and Management and from Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
18. Stephanie Parks
Chief Development Officer, Reliant Rehabilitation
Stephanie Parks is the Chief Development Officer of Reliant Rehabilitation. Reliant Rehabilitation has provided patient-centered, outcome-driven physical, occupational, and speech therapy since 2002. She plays a crucial role in creating and implementing corporate business development plans, and she also establishes and maintains high-level contacts with customers and business partners, while spearheading the development of new business lines to drive growth.
Parks has significant experience in the healthcare industry, particularly in rehabilitation services. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in operations management, business development, and clinical operations within the healthcare and rehabilitation sectors. She started her career at Nexion Health in 2002, where she served as a regional rehabilitation manager. In this role, she managed the clinical and financial operations of 18 Skilled Nursing and Sub-acute Rehab Units and was responsible for training therapists and nurses on various clinical systems and rehabilitation reimbursement.
Parks completed her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University in 1998. She later received her MBA in Business Administration and Management from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business in May 2013.
19. Jessica Edwards
Chief Development Officer, NAMI
Jessica Edwards is the Chief Development Officer of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Edwards directs the strategy, direction, and coordination for all fundraising efforts that support NAMI’s mission and strategic plan. She identifies and encourages philanthropic opportunities and engages in meaningful donor and funder relationships. She works with strategic partnerships that touch all corners of the organization and alliance. Edwards joined NAMI in 2011 as a coordinator of corporate affairs and governance. Since then, she has worked her way up in the organization overseeing the corporate, foundation, and strategic partnership areas of strategic alliances and development.
Previously, Edwards was a marketing and communications assistant at West Virginia University’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Before that, she was a tutor for the writing center at West Virginia University. Edwards holds an undergraduate degree in public relations from West Virginia University and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.
20. Deborah Barge
Chief Development Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Deborah Barge is the Chief Development Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Barge focuses on empowering staff and streamlining infrastructure to run an effective and efficient operation that attracts top talent and inspires excellence. Her work with cross-functional teams is dedicated to continuous improvement and results. By building high-value partnerships with premier donors who understand the vision of the organizations she represents, she ensures that the organization achieves retention targets and experiences annual growth.
Before joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Barge was a chief operating officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Before that, she was the SVP of market leadership and development at March of Dimes. Earlier in her career, she worked with Allstate Insurance Company as a corporate relations. Barge graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in history.
21. KC Gartman
Chief Development Officer, Baptist Health Care
Today, KC Gartman is the Chief Development Officer of Baptist Health Care, a not-for-profit healthcare organization based in northwest Florida that is committed to helping people throughout life’s journey.
Gartman has provided strategic leadership and oversight of the Baptist Health Care Foundation for more than seven years. She is responsible for generating philanthropic support and public awareness through fundraising programs targeting a broad base of individual donors, foundations, and corporate donors to benefit Baptist Health Care. Gartman leads major gifts, grant writing, corporate giving, grateful patient and family programs and campaigns. She is also responsible for strategic planning, revenue generation, financial management, and the daily operations of the Foundation.
Gartman has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in the community, and she is actively involved with Five Flags Rotary, FloridaWest EDA, First Place Partners, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and IMPACT 100 Pensacola. She started her career in 2000 as a marketing and PR specialist. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a Master of Science in Administration and with an undergraduate degree in communication arts, and public relations.
22. Kate Smith
Chief Development Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities
Kate Smith is the Chief Development Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities. She first joined the team in 2020. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent American nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.
Smith has 20 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate development, with specialties in development, planning, management, stewardship, major gifts, and business-to-business development. Previously, she was a vice president of development at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Before that, she was a senior development director of major gifts at UA Culverhouse. Earlier in her career, she worked with Alabama Symphony Orchestra as an associate director of development.
Smith earned a degree in English, anthropology, and archeology from the University of Connecticut. She is a board member for Cahaba Riverkeeper, which is committed to defending and preserving the Cahaba River, and serves on the Executive Committee and Development Committee.
23. Api Appulingam
Chief Development Officer, Philadelphia International Airport
Api Appulingam is the Chief Development Officer of Philadelphia International Airport and oversees a multi-billion dollar program tasked with making critical improvements and developing new infrastructure at both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) through architectural, engineering, environmental, planning and sustainability projects. Appulingam is responsible for bringing innovation to the airfield, terminals, and roadways at both airports.
Before her current role, Appulingam served as the Philadelphia Office Leader for RS&H, Inc., a national provider of architecture, engineering, and consulting services. There, she led significant aviation development projects for general aviation and commercial service airports in the US and internationally. Appulingam earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management and Corporate Finance from the University of Dallas. She is a registered Professional Engineer and an Accredited Airport Executive.
Appulingam serves as the Philadelphia Chapter’s president for the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) and as the vice chair for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Free Library of Philadelphia. Appulingam is passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of STEM professionals. She mentors young women ages 13 to 18 as part of the WTS Transportation YOU program, which provides a hands-on, interactive introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers.
24. Yvette McClymont
Chief Development Officer, Genesys Works
Yvette McClymont is a distinguished leader in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at Genesys Works, a national organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved high school students through professional training and mentorship. Under McClymont’s leadership, Genesys Works is set to expand into seven additional cities by 2028, a testament to her strategic vision and expertise in nonprofit growth. She holds a BA in Psychology from Governors State University, which enriches her ability to understand donor motivations and cultivate meaningful relationships.
With over 15 years in nonprofit fundraising, McClymont possesses a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her previous role as vice president of national philanthropy at Cradles to Crayons showcased her ability to spearhead national fundraising efforts, while her tenure as territorial director of major gifts for The Salvation Army Central Territory demonstrated her strategic expertise and leadership in major gift fundraising across multiple markets.
McClymont’s background in healthcare philanthropy is equally impressive. As director of program development at Presence Health Foundation, she was pivotal in creating and executing major and planned gift strategies, while at Rush University Medical Center, she enhanced donor engagement through a comprehensive stewardship program. Her career began with foundational roles at the Alzheimer’s Association and Bible League International, where she developed key nonprofit management and fundraising skills. McClymont's deep commitment to impactful philanthropy and her strategic leadership make her an invaluable asset to Genesys Works and the nonprofit community as a whole.
25. Denise Flynn
Chief Development Officer, Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Denise Flynn is the Chief Development Officer of Martha's Vineyard Hospital. She first joined the team in 2024. Since its incorporation in April 1921, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has been committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate medical care to every member of the Vineyard’s year-round and seasonal community, as well as all who visit here.
Previously, Flynn was the vice president at Winchester Hospital, where she served for nearly eight years, overseeing significant development and fundraising initiatives. Before that, she was the chief development officer at Hallmark Health System, Inc., where she led strategic fundraising efforts. Earlier in her career, she worked as the director of campaign, major gifts, and planned giving at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, managing large-scale campaigns and donor relations. Flynn earned an MFA from Smith College and an undergraduate degree in English and Spanish from Skidmore College.
26. Angela Deane
Acting Chief Development Officer, Human Rights Watch
Angela Deane is the Acting Chief Development Officer of Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. For 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.
Deane has been with Human Rights Watch since 2013 when she started as the New York City director. She was promoted multiple times, including as deputy managing director in 2021 and managing director in 2022. She accepted her current position in 2023. Before joining Human Rights Watch, Deane was a development and outreach director at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. Before that, she was a development director at the Genocide Intervention Network. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Center for the Homeless as a development director.
Deane graduated from New York University with a Master's degree in Global Affairs and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in communication and French.
27. Ruth Dailey
Chief Development Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association
Today, Ruth Dailey is the Chief Development Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the number one voluntary health organization in the US for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. Dailey is a seasoned development executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership in both the nonprofit and healthcare industries. She is a passionate advocate for mission-driven causes and has a proven track record of achieving tangible results. Dailey has demonstrated expertise in successfully cultivating and expanding a diverse revenue portfolio through strategic corporate partnerships, major gift initiatives, and the execution of impactful special events. Her exceptional ability to forge and oversee influential connections with Fortune 1000 executives, major benefactors, and dedicated board and volunteer champions underscores her ability to drive meaningful change and impact.
Before joining the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Dailey spent over 20 years at the American Cancer Society, most recently serving as the senior vice president for philanthropy across the organization. She led the conception, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive enterprise-level major gift strategy focused on engaging high-net-worth individuals and foundations. During her tenure at the American Cancer Society, she played a pivotal role in assembling a proficient and cohesive major gifts team with a national reach. Under Dailey's leadership, the organization experienced a remarkable surge in philanthropic revenue, achieving an impressive growth rate of over 50% in just a three-year timeframe.
In previous roles at the American Cancer Society, Dailey was responsible for major gift and corporate fundraising and the execution of galas and other events for 11 northeastern states, consistently exceeding annual goals. She also served as regional vice president for Southeastern Pennsylvania, leading a team of 65 staff. An alumna of Rowan University, Dailey spent the first 10 years of her career in marketing and communications at academic and tertiary medical centers in the Philadelphia market.
28. Carolyn Vine
Chief Development Officer, Robin Hood
Carolyn Vine is the Chief Development Officer of Robin Hood. She first joined the team in 2010 and has served in various fundraising roles. Robin Hood is New York's largest poverty-fighting organization, and since 1988 has focused on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that generate meaningful results for families in New York's poorest neighborhoods.
As CDO, Vine oversees all fundraising activities at Robin Hood and leads the Development, Marketing, and Events teams in their work raising funds to support the organization in its critical poverty-fighting work. Previously, Vine was an associate of fundamental research at D. E. Shaw & Co. She earned a Master of Science in African Studies from the University of Oxford and an undergraduate degree in English literature from Columbia University.
29. Jeanine Forsythe
Chief Development Officer, Carnegie Institution for Science
Jeanine Forsythe is the Chief Development Officer of the Carnegie Institution for Science. Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth and planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology.
Forsythe has 20 years of experience. Before joining the Carnegie Institution for Science, she was a vice president of strategic partnerships at Results for America. Before that, she was a director of foundation relations at the Smithsonian Institution. Earlier in her career, she worked with The Brookings Institution as an external affairs and budget coordinator. Forsythe graduated from the University of Delaware with a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and Public Policy and from the University of Dayton with an undergraduate degree in communication management.
30. Margaret Carrera
Chief Development Officer, The Halal Guys
Margaret Carrera, Chief Development Officer at The Halal Guys, is a driving force behind the brand's global growth. The Halal Guys’ original carts operated around the clock, serving its guests in signature long lines that extended down the block. The continued, enthusiastic demand for its fresh, delicious food and warm hospitality justified its expansion to bring authentic American Halal Food both across the nation and worldwide.
With seven years of experience, Carrera transitioned from director of development and research to her current role, overseeing franchise development, real estate, and market analysis. Under her guidance, The Halal Guys have achieved multiple milestones, including opening their one-hundredth location in 2022 and expanding globally. Her commitment to authenticity and collaboration with culinary experts ensures the highest quality in the brand's renowned recipes.
Carrera fosters innovation and inclusivity within the organization, empowering team members and franchisees. Beyond her professional role, she champions charitable initiatives and community engagement, aligning with The Halal Guys' mission. Carrera’s relentless pursuit of excellence and strategic acumen solidify her as a key operator in the restaurant industry, driving the brand's remarkable success. Carrera graduated from Fordham Gabelli School of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
31. Carly Goettel
Chief Development Officer, Brooklyn Museum
Carly Goettel is the Chief Development Officer of the Brooklyn Museum. She first joined the team in 2023. The Brooklyn Museum, housed in a 560,000-square-foot, Beaux-Arts building, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country.
Goettel is a nonprofit executive with sixteen years of experience in nonprofit development, specializing in strategic planning, major donor relations, corporate, government, and foundation grant writing, as well as membership, event planning, marketing, and public relations. She has extensive expertise in individual giving, with a proven track record of securing major gifts and growing membership programs.
Previously, Goettel was a vice president at CCS Fundraising. Before that, she was a vice president for institutional advancement at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Earlier in her career, she worked with The Farmers' Museum and Fenimore Art Museum as a development assistant. Goettel earned an undergraduate degree in art history, anthropology, and history from Binghamton University.
32. Renee Davis
Chief Development Officer, Asphalt Green
Renee Davis is the Chief Development Officer of Asphalt Green, a nonprofit dedicated to improving New Yorkers' health and quality of life by promoting sports and fitness across their lifespan. Each year, Asphalt Green serves more than 50,000 children and seniors through free and low-cost community programs throughout schoolyards, gymnasiums, community centers, and pools across New York City.
Davis leads development strategy, fundraising efforts, and the execution of new philanthropic growth initiatives in support of Asphalt Green and its mission to provide access to sports and fitness to all New Yorkers. A member of the senior management team, she partners with generous donors, volunteers, foundations, corporations, and government stakeholders in the New York Community to expand the reach, impact, and accessibility of Asphalt Green’s sports, health, and wellness programs.
Previously, Davis was an executive director of development at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. Before that, she was a managing director of regional advancement at William & Mary. Earlier in her career, she worked with Miltenyi Biotec as a technical consultant in the North Atlantic region. Davis graduated from William & Mary with an undergraduate degree in biology.
33. Kimball Tyson
Chief Development Officer, Houston Museum of Natural Science
Kimball Tyson is the Chief Development Officer of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The mission of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science and enhance the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects.
Previously, Tyson was a senior philanthropic advisor at Rice University. Before that, she was the managing development officer at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Earlier in her career, she worked as a development officer for major gifts at Vanderbilt University. Tyson graduated from SMU’s Dedman School of Law with a JD. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, where she was part of Kappa Alpha Theta.
34. Bea Perdue
Chief Development Officer, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Bea Perdue brings more than 20 years of combined higher education and nonprofit strategic fundraising and leadership experience. As St. Vincent de Paul Georgia's Chief Fundraising Development Officer, she is responsible for building financial and public support to support the mission aimed at serving more than 200,000 Georgians each year.
Perdue brings a high level of energy and passion combined with strong determination that has served an array of organizations. Most recently, she served as senior director of development for San Francisco-based Worldreader, a global digital reading nonprofit, tasked with building and launching a US fundraising operation. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in Atlanta, serving Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and MedShare. Perdue began an advanced career in higher education as part of a revitalization team assembled by Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole at Bennett College. The success of these efforts led to her role as the inaugural Development Director for the newly established College of Behavioral Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University.
After graduation from the University of Alabama, Perdue worked in information technology. Her global leadership efforts for Dow Jones Interactive Publishing led her into the nonprofit arena and to gain education and training to become a certified DE&I Consultant. Perdue shares her knowledge and expertise within and beyond fundraising to build broad bases of support for missions and to address the community's most pressing needs. She is a tireless mentor and collaborator throughout her local and global community. As a lifelong learner, Perdue enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting art in her spare time. Her love of art and reading drives her passion for service. She is a member of the boards of Olmsted Arts and Ferst Readers.
35. Peggy Shriver
Chief Development Officer, Living Water International
Peggy Shriver is the Chief Development Officer of Living Water International. She first joined the team in 2022. Living Water International helps communities acquire desperately needed clean water.
Shriver has nearly three decades of nonprofit experience with top-tier nationally known organizations, bringing expertise in special event management, peer-to-peer fundraising, major gift solicitation, direct mail, board development, strategic planning, investment-driven fundraising, and relationship cultivation and management.
Previously, Shriver was a campaign director at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. Before that, she was a chief development officer at Rise Against Hunger. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Special Olympics as a chief development officer. Shriver earned an undergraduate degree in journalism, marketing, and broadcasting from Trinity University.
36. Nathalie Dubois-Stringfellow
Chief Development Officer, Sangamo Therapeutics
Nathalie Dubois-Stringfellow is the Chief Development Officer of Sangamo Therapeutics. For Sangamo Therapeutics, science is a means to develop new medicines with the potential to transform the lives of patients living with serious genetic diseases.
Dubois-Stringfellow has 34 years of experience. She is a proven and established chief development officer driving transformative advancements in biotechnology. She has expertise in developing biological therapies for oncology, immune, infectious, and genetic diseases. Dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and high-achieving teams, she developed and led successful teams for Sangamo's ZFP therapeutic programs in hemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders, hemoglobinopathies, HIV, and Huntington's disease.
Before joining Sangamo Therapeutics, Dubois-Stringfellow was a biotechnology consultant, R&D, and business development at BioRenaissance Consulting. Before that, she was a senior director of business development and alliance management at XOMA (US) LLC. Earlier in her career, she worked with Chiron Corporation as a scientist. Dubois-Stringfellow graduated from Pierre and Marie Curie University with a PhD in Human Genetics and from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.
37. Charlene Carter
Chief Development Officer, Carver Hotel Group
Charlene Carter embarked on her illustrious career with Inter-Continental Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia. With over three decades dedicated to the hospitality industry, she has distinguished herself as a prominent figure, being listed among the Who’s Who of Executive Businesswomen in Hospitality. Her extensive experience spans all levels of the industry, from entry-level management to corporate executive roles and ownership.
Carter’s career encompasses a wide array of roles in sales and operations, covering full-service, select-service, and limited-service hotels, convention centers, and resorts. In 1998, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit by founding the Atlanta Hospitality Group (AHG), providing consulting services for hotel sales and operations across various service levels. In 2003, Carter established the Carter Consulting Group, a hotel asset management firm that assisted independent hotel owners in maximizing the value of their properties. Under her leadership, the firm successfully managed and operated over 20 hotels within five years. In May 2013, Carter co-founded and became the Chief Development Officer of Carver Hotel Group, a subsidiary of The Carver Companies. The company excels in deploying hotel professionals across various disciplines, becoming the leading Hospitality Task Force Agency in the US and Canada.
Her academic background includes studies at Fort Valley State University, Armstrong State University, and South College (Hotel Management) in Georgia. Carter is also the founder of the Eleanor-Monroe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and supporting educational initiatives for families in Peru. In her leisure time, Carter enjoys working out, meditating, reading, golfing, visiting wineries, and spending quality time with her family, especially her millennial son and daughter, and her cherished granddaughter.
38. Jennifer Williams
Chief Development Officer, USA Basketball
Jennifer Williams is the Chief Development Officer of USA Basketball, the recognized governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Williams is responsible for all aspects of the USA Basketball Foundation, including developing a holistic fundraising platform to support various USA Basketball national team programs and youth and sport development initiatives.
Previously, Williams had multiple roles at Alabama State University (ASU), ending her tenure there as the director of athletics. During her time at ASU, the Hornets experienced tremendous success, with athletic teams winning 43 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships, three consecutive commissioner cups, and two conference academic awards for the highest GPA under her leadership. Before that, Williams spent four years at North Carolina A&T State University as the associate athletic director for development and executive director of the Aggie Athletic Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation was recognized as a model booster organization by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). In 2018, Williams was appointed to the NCAA Division I Council, where she served on the Football Oversight Committee as part of her council duties, and was an Executive Committee member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD). She also served on the Women Leaders in College Sports Board of Directors, the NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, the Black AD Alliance, and the Black Coaches United Board of Directors.
Earlier in her career, Williams worked at DePaul University as the assistant director of development for athletics. She also completed a marketing and development internship at Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators). A four-year letterman and two-year captain in women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Williams began her professional career as a reporter for the Tar Heel Sports Network and as a production assistant for Fox Sports South. The Detroit native earned her Bachelor’s degree as a double major in Journalism and African American History at North Carolina and a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration, magna cum laude, from NCCU.
39. Carolyn Antonio
Chief Development Officer, Green City Force
Carolyn Antonio is the Chief Development Officer of Green City Force. She first joined the team in 2023. Green City Force’s AmeriCorps program prepares young adults aged 18-24 who reside in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) or low-income housing in NYC and have a high school diploma or equivalency for careers through green service.
Antonio is a development professional and executive team leader with over 17 years of experience in the NYC nonprofit sector. She possesses extensive knowledge and experience in various streams of annual fundraising, including government, foundation, corporate, and individual giving, with a focus on major gifts. Her expertise spans grant writing, capital campaigns, events, strategic planning, team building and management, Board development, rebranding, and communications.
Previously, Antonio was a chief development officer at Womankind, formerly the New York Asian Women's Center. Before that, she was a director of development at the Museum of Chinese in America. Antonio earned an undergraduate degree in comparative literature from Hamilton College.
40. Nancy Green
Chief Development Officer, World Hope International
Nancy Green is the Chief Development Officer of World Hope International (WHI), a global, Christian relief and development organization working with vulnerable and exploited communities to alleviate poverty, suffering, and injustice. WHI uses market-based and community-driven enterprise solutions to empower, protect, and build resilience through innovative, environmentally conscious, and transformative projects.
Green is a fundraising and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations in the field of international relief and development. As CDO, she fosters relationships with individuals and family foundations in the US to meaningfully engage them in World Hope’s mission. With a deep knowledge of faith-based responses to international development, Green is passionate about serving the vulnerable, articulating their needs to philanthropic partners, and seeing lives transformed. She seeks to help partners to identify value and impact in their philanthropic commitments.
Previously, Green was a director of strategic partnerships at World Relief. Before that, she was a development director at Five Talents International. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Smithsonian Institution as a development officer. Green graduated from The George Washington University.
41. Amy Borntrager
Chief Development Officer, Columbus School for Girls
Amy Borntrager is the Chief Development Officer of Columbus School for Girls (CSG). She first joined the team in 2019. CSG is an independent college preparatory school accredited by the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS).
Previously, Borntrager was a director of development at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, where she managed all leadership giving for the Central and Southeast Ohio regions, raising over $1 million annually. Before that, she was the director of external affairs for the National Postal Museum at the Smithsonian Institution, where she managed all aspects of the Museum's fundraising programming: major gifts, annual giving, corporate giving, development operations,
Borntrager earned an MPA in Public Administration from the NC State University Graduate School. She serves as a board member for the Youth Yoga Project, a Columbus-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing access to yoga and wellness programming for young people to improve their physical, social, and emotional well-being and increase their academic success.
42. Rachel Broom
Chief Development Officer, Center for Human Services
Rachel Broom is the Chief Development Officer of the Center for Human Services. In the last 67 years, the center grew from a single room in rural Missouri to a state-wide leader in innovation, elevating those who face limitations in the form of physical, mental, and financial challenges.
Broom started her career in 2000 as a government coordinator at United Way of Greater St. Louis. From there, she went on to Saint Louis Zoo, before eventually rising to director of external relations at Endangered Wolf Center, her most recent position before joining the Center for Human Services. Broom graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with an MPA in Nonprofit, Public, and Organizational Management and an undergraduate degree in business, management, marketing, and related support services.
43. Cindy Galindo
Chief Development Officer, PBS SoCal
Cindy Galindo is the Chief Development Officer of PBS SoCal. The Public Media Group of Southern California (PMGSC) tells stories that matter through original programs that reflect the diversity of their region, and through the full schedule of trusted PBS programs.
Galindo is a philanthropic professional with more than two decades of experience in higher education, academic medicine, and private and family philanthropy. Since March 2021, she has held the position of assistant vice president of advancement at the University of Southern California, serving as a member of the campus-wide health initiative fundraising team. Before her role at USC, Galindo served as the chief development officer for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest and one of the most diverse dioceses in the country, where she oversaw philanthropic efforts for the Chancery Office and a historic archdiocesan-wide campaign.
For more than 14 years, Galindo worked at the University of Southern California, including as the executive director of development and strategic initiatives, where she was a member of the health sciences development leadership team focused on raising funds in support of the university’s medical enterprise. In addition, she has held positions at the California Institute of Technology, Claremont McKenna College, Alverno High School, and Whittier Family Foundations/Whittier Trust Company. Galindo graduated from Portland State University with an MPA and from Oregon State University with an undergraduate degree in business and finance.
44. Taylor Justice
Chief Development Officer, Beverly Farm Foundation
Taylor Justice is a seasoned fundraising strategist and the Chief Development Officer at Beverly Farm Foundation, is a nurturing home for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities located in Godfrey, IL. With over a decade of experience in fundraising, Justice has dedicated her career to championing the rights and well-being of individuals with special needs.
As an ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce, Justice is deeply involved in her community, consistently volunteering and advocating for local initiatives. She is also a dedicated mentor to students in her community through a young adult program. She takes great pride in guiding and inspiring the next generation, sharing her knowledge and experiences to help them navigate their paths to success. Her role as a mentor is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of education and her commitment to fostering leadership and growth among youth. Her commitment to service and professional excellence was recently recognized with a Professionals Under award, highlighting her as a leading figure in her field.
Justice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Media Communications from Webster University in St. Louis. Furthering her expertise, she has completed a Leadership Training Certificate through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and earned a certificate in Power and Influence for Positive Impact from Harvard Business School Online. Beyond her professional pursuits, her heart belongs to her family. Justice is a proud wife and a devoted mother to three wonderful boys. Her faith and family are the cornerstones of her life, guiding her belief in the power of giving back and lifting others.
45. Nancy Valente
Chief Development Officer, Xencor
Nancy Valente is the Chief Development Officer of Xencor. She first joined the team in 2022 as a director. Xencor is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered antibodies and cytokines for the treatment of patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Valente is a strategic and results-driven MD drug development leader with over 20 years of experience. She has a strong track record of leading global development, with accountability for the hematology and oncology portfolio, which included managing a budget exceeding $4 billion and overseeing a global clinical science team of 300 members in her last operating role at Genentech/Roche. She led the development and approval of transformative therapies that have significantly impacted patients' lives.
Previously, Valente was a global senior vice president at Genentech/Roche. Before that, she was a clinical scientist, senior clinical scientist associate group director, and group director at Genentech. Earlier in her career, she worked with the University of California as an instructor. Valente earned an MD from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Medicine.
46. Jessica Rawlins Smith
Chief Development Officer, Innocence Project
Jessica Rawlins Smith is the Chief Development Officer at the Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal clinic. The project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Smith has over a decade of experience in fund development, using public and private philanthropy, and strategic planning, to bring high-impact resources to organizations eliminating the inequitable outcomes of systemic oppression. With a BA in Religion from Dartmouth College and an MS in Fundraising Management from Columbia University, she has built an impressive record as a fundraising specialist supporting some of the most transformative education, arts, and justice-oriented initiatives.
Before joining the Innocence Project, Smith served as chief development officer at Partnership with Children, leading the critical growth of private fundraising in support of school-based mental health support. In addition, she served as the senior director of development at All Our Kin, overseeing a broad portfolio of philanthropic, public, and corporate funding in support of high-quality family childcare programming. Smith also served as director of institutional giving at the Harlem Children’s Zone, supporting a broad range of early education, K-12, postsecondary, and family-based programs. She serves on the board of directors of Fiver Children’s Foundation.
47. Qiana Cressman
Chief Development Officer, Centering Healthcare Institute
Qiana L. Cressman is an award-winning, highly respected philanthropy executive, thought leader, and advocate for health equity, with more than two decades of experience leading high-impact nonprofit and healthcare initiatives. As Chief Development Officer at the Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI), Qiana oversees all facets of Business Development, Marketing, Communications & External Engagement, and Philanthropic Development. In this pivotal role, she is responsible for expanding CHI’s renowned CenteringPregnancy® program, which aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes on a national scale by reducing disparities, particularly along racial lines, and ensuring equitable access to prenatal care for all mothers and birthing individuals.
Qiana has demonstrated the ability to drive organizational growth and foster innovation in nonprofit and healthcare sectors. Her leadership has been instrumental in raising over $75M across a wide range of fundraising strategies, including Planned Giving and Annual Giving campaigns. Known for building and sustaining deep, impactful relationships with stakeholders, donors, and healthcare partners at both national and local levels, Qiana’s strategic initiatives resulted in significant revenue boosts, such as a $1.4M increase during her first year as Executive Director/Market Vice President at the American Heart Association (AHA) in the Greater Tampa Bay Division.
Before CHI, Qiana served in several prominent leadership roles. As Vice President of Community Impact at the American Heart Association, she spearheaded initiatives that led to a remarkable 75% reduction in blood pressure among some Tampa Bay residents. She also advocated for the successful ban on cigarette smoking and vaping on St. Petersburg beaches, showcasing her commitment to public health advocacy. Prior to this, she served as the youngest female Executive Director at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, overseeing blood supply to 27 hospitals and launching the Convalescent Plasma Program during the pandemic.
Qiana’s leadership extends beyond her professional responsibilities. She is an active mentor, coach, and speaker, frequently addressing panels and conferences on topics such as nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategies, health equity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Her thought leadership is widely recognized as she has published numerous articles on these topics, contributing her expertise to industry publications and thought forums. Qiana is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, coaching emerging professionals and established executives alike, helping them navigate their careers and achieve personal and professional growth.
Her dedication to community service is further reflected in her involvement with several prestigious boards. Qiana currently holds board positions with Dress for Success Tampa Bay, the Health Equity Committee at St. Petersburg Free Clinic, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, and the African American Business Leaders Council. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., where her work supports efforts to increase blood donations and improve transfusion outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease.
Qiana holds a B.S. in Management from Shorter University, an Executive Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and certifications in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace, Personal & Professional Coaching, and Organizational Leadership from various reputable institutions.
48. Ragan Rhyne
Chief Development Officer, ProPublica
Ragan Rhyne is ProPublica's Chief Development Officer. ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. Their staff remains dedicated to carrying forward the important work of exposing corruption, informing the public about complex issues, and using the power of investigative journalism to spur reform.
With more than 15 years of nonprofit executive experience, Rhyne has effectively developed programs and built relationships for global, national, and regional institutions. She most recently served as senior director of development and strategic programming for the International Center of Photography, where she steered organizational and fundraising strategy, managed a portfolio of major donors, and directed special events. Rhyne has also held senior development positions at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, Prospect Park Alliance, Eugene Lang College, and the World Monuments Fund.
Holding a Doctorate in Media Studies from New York University, Rhyne’s research and publications focus on the political economy of nonprofit media organizations and their role in the development of social movements. She has taught media and cultural studies at New York University, Hunter College, and Queens College.
49. Megan Muske
Chief Development Officer, Second Harvest Heartland
Megan Muske is the Chief Development Officer of Second Harvest Heartland, a leading hunger relief organization. Muske has dedicated her career to connecting those with a little extra to those who need a little more. During her first year with Second Harvest Heartland, she led the organization to its most successful fundraising year in its 40-year history.
For the past 18 years, Muske has served the Twin Cities community as a nonprofit leader in fundraising, capital campaigns, operations, marketing, communications, and community organizing. She kicked off her fundraising career at her alma mater, St. Olaf College. She then led philanthropy efforts at Children’s Minnesota, Allina Health, and Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, where she served as director and then president. Before joining Second Harvest Heartland, Muske was the president of the Courage Kenny Foundation at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Before that, she was a director of the Allina Office of Philanthropy at Allina Health. Earlier in her career, she worked with St. Olaf College as an associate director of annual giving.
Muske earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College. She now lives in Minnetonka with her husband and two young children. During her free time, Muske can be found visiting local lakes and parks with her family, hosting friends at her home, and traveling to her favorite destinations. With much of her extended family living in New England, she loves the ocean, beaches, and all things nautical.
50. Beth Branson
Chief Development Officer, Odyssey House of Utah
Beth Branson is the Chief Development Officer of Odyssey House of Utah, the largest and most comprehensive addiction program in Utah that treats the whole person with evidence-based models to help people successfully overcome each barrier they may face.
Previously, Branson was the director of development at Spy Hop, where she led successful fundraising initiatives and contributed to the organization’s growth. Before that, she was the development director at Artspace, where she focused on building strategic partnerships and securing funding for key projects. Earlier in her career, she worked as the development and finance manager at the Utah Humanities Council.
Branson is an alumna of the University of Utah. She first attended the university for her Bachelor of Arts in English. She returned later in her career, earning a Master of Public Administration in 2014.