CHICAGO – Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization that provides hunger-free weekends for kids across the United States, has announced Chicago-resident Lisa Hanneman as its new Chief Development Officer. With 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, Hanneman has a proven track record of driving philanthropic growth in both local grassroots, social service agencies and with a multi-tiered national fundraising organization.
“We are excited to welcome Lisa to our team,” said Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack. “Her deep expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic development will be invaluable as we continue expanding our mission to fight childhood hunger.”
Hanneman spent more than half her career with JDRF’s Illinois Chapter (now Breakthrough T1D). She played a key role in managing and growing the One Dream Gala – the nonprofit organization’s largest revenue-generating gala in the country. Her leadership focused on securing major sponsorships, strengthening donor stewardship and enhancing communication strategies.
Following her career at JDRF, in 2017, Hanneman joined Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, a community-based children’s mental health organization. Serving as Development Director, Hanneman established and drove a development program that doubled fundraising, activated volunteer engagement and established the agency’s recognition and partnerships in Chicago’s northern suburbs. She also spearheaded the Youth Services Act Now Campaign, successfully raising $9.5 million.
Hanneman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa, with minors in creative writing, psychology and women’s studies.
“I’m honored to join Blessings in a Backpack and have the opportunity to contribute to such a crucial mission,” said Hanneman. “I am excited to work alongside this dedicated team and grow our efforts nationwide to ensure every child has the nourishment they need to learn and grow.”
Based at Blessings in a Backpack’s office in Chicago, Hanneman will lead the organization’s development and marketing strategy, providing regions, chapters and communities with the tools and training needed to maximize local fundraising efforts. She will also oversee donor cultivation, philanthropic partnerships, and strategic communications to support the organization’s more than $14 million annual fundraising goal.
For more information about Blessings in a Backpack, visit 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.
CHICAGO – Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization that provides hunger-free weekends for kids across the United States, has announced … Read more Newsline, Uncategorized, career, CEO, free, fundraising, illinois, kids, management, national, social, states eSchool News
