Lisa Hanneman Takes the Reins as Chief Development Officer at Blessings in a Backpack
In a recent announcement, Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization committed to providing hunger-free weekends for children nationwide, introduced Lisa Hanneman as its new Chief Development Officer. Bringing two decades of experience in nonprofit management to the table, Hanneman is set to lead the charge in driving philanthropic growth for the organization, both on a local and national scale.
Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack, expressed the team’s enthusiasm in welcoming Hanneman aboard, highlighting her extensive expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic development as pivotal assets in furthering the mission to combat childhood hunger.
A Track Record of Success
With a career spanning over 20 years, Lisa Hanneman honed her skills at JDRF’s Illinois Chapter (now Breakthrough T1D), where she played a pivotal role in managing and expanding the One Dream Gala—an event that stands as the organization’s largest revenue-generating gala nationwide. Her leadership was instrumental in securing major sponsorships, bolstering donor stewardship, and refining communication strategies to drive fundraising efforts.
Transitioning to Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook in 2017, Hanneman served as the Development Director, spearheading a development program that saw fundraising numbers double, volunteer engagement soar, and the establishment of strong partnerships and recognition within Chicago’s northern suburbs. Notably, she led the charge in the successful Youth Services Act Now Campaign, raising an impressive $9.5 million to support the organization’s vital initiatives.
Paving the Way Forward
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa, with minors in creative writing, psychology, and women’s studies, Lisa Hanneman steps into her new role at Blessings in a Backpack with a deep sense of purpose. Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a critical mission, Hanneman looks forward to collaborating with the dedicated team at Blessings in a Backpack to expand efforts nationwide, ensuring every child has access to the nourishment they need for growth and success.
Stationed at Blessings in a Backpack’s Chicago office, Hanneman will spearhead the organization’s development and marketing strategy, equipping regions, chapters, and communities with the tools and training necessary to maximize local fundraising endeavors. Her responsibilities will encompass donor cultivation, fostering philanthropic partnerships, and steering strategic communications—all in support of the organization’s ambitious $14 million annual fundraising target.
As Lisa Hanneman steps into her new role at Blessings in a Backpack, her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to serving communities in need are sure to steer the organization towards even greater heights in the fight against childhood hunger.
For further information on Blessings in a Backpack and their impactful initiatives, visit their website at https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/.
ABOUT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Blessings in a Backpack is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing communities, individuals, and resources to provide food over the weekend for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. By providing non-perishable, child-friendly food each Friday, Blessings in a Backpack helps bridge the gap for children who may rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition.
Author
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