Debbie Lewis Email & Phone Number

United States

Responsible for leading the overall resource development strategy, including designing, implementing, and overseeing all fundraising phases. This executive-level role manages a team of senior-level resource development and grant professionals spanning Northeast Ohio, and provides leadership to the board of directors and the resource development board committee.

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

I was brought onboard in a senior-level capacity to be instrumental in leading development operations and expanding the mission-critical organization’s giving efforts. As part of my role, I create annual plans for driving individual giving, as well as strategies/processes for maximizing returns secured through crowdfunding campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. I also work hand-in-hand with NCCS Program and Policy teams to drive change and enhance performance withing the group’s… Show more I was brought onboard in a senior-level capacity to be instrumental in leading development operations and expanding the mission-critical organization’s giving efforts. As part of my role, I create annual plans for driving individual giving, as well as strategies/processes for maximizing returns secured through crowdfunding campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. I also work hand-in-hand with NCCS Program and Policy teams to drive change and enhance performance withing the group’s programs, initiatives, publications, and other capabilities. Show less

Greater Cleveland

As a consultant, I research latest trends and create sustainable plans for full-service fundraising with the express goals of increasing giving, executing successful campaigns & fundraising events, building membership bases, promoting donor retention, and boosting results. Select clients have included Flying Horse Farms-camp for children with serious illnesses and children’s hospitals. Among my key efforts for different clients, I…Coordinated with senior staff to construct their annual… Show more As a consultant, I research latest trends and create sustainable plans for full-service fundraising with the express goals of increasing giving, executing successful campaigns & fundraising events, building membership bases, promoting donor retention, and boosting results. Select clients have included Flying Horse Farms-camp for children with serious illnesses and children’s hospitals. Among my key efforts for different clients, I…Coordinated with senior staff to construct their annual development plan.Revised grant writing plans, and prepared foundation and corporate grant requests and reports for $100k+ in funds.Discovered 13 new funding sources and submitted proposals for five new funders.Coached three staff members on fundraising skills and progress tracking including Moves Management process and dashboards for Raiser’s Edge. Show less

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

In my senior leadership capacity, I oversaw program development and growth of existing and new revenue-generating local and regional corporate partnerships, cause-marketing programs, Children’s Miracle Network program, community-wide peer-to-peer fundraising events, and various other funding opportunities. I created brand awareness campaigns and significantly expanded the donor base, while cultivating strong relationships with corporate, hospital, volunteer and clinical leaders to support our… Show more In my senior leadership capacity, I oversaw program development and growth of existing and new revenue-generating local and regional corporate partnerships, cause-marketing programs, Children’s Miracle Network program, community-wide peer-to-peer fundraising events, and various other funding opportunities. I created brand awareness campaigns and significantly expanded the donor base, while cultivating strong relationships with corporate, hospital, volunteer and clinical leaders to support our efforts.To further drive our success, I conducted bench-marking and market research to develop plans to attract new opportunities and retain existing ones. I collaborated with senior leaders to develop funding priorities and directed the creation of proposals for support, fundraising materials and publications.For a selection of my other key contributions, I…Stewarded a select portfolio of high-value donors.Served as relationship manager and fundraising partner for Rainbow Babies and Children’s Foundation.Strategized proposals and solicitations, and established overall direction, financial performance and reporting for corporate and cause-marketing programs including aligning fundraising materials. Hired, trained, managed, evaluated and devised performance reward distribution for staff while cultivating culture of accountability, inclusion, teamwork and effectiveness.Acted as hospital spokesperson for regional meetings and arranged and conducted local media coverage and interviews promoting fundraising initiatives. Show less

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

I earned my second promotion to create and direct strategic plans and activities, in addition to hiring, mentoring, coaching, evaluating, and supervising staff executing community fundraising and donor events. During my time in the role, I grew my staff from six to eleven fundraisers and led the team to raise over $5M annually by developing innovative strategies, pinpointing opportunities and leading full cycle process execution. I also governed an annual operational budget of $500K+… Show more I earned my second promotion to create and direct strategic plans and activities, in addition to hiring, mentoring, coaching, evaluating, and supervising staff executing community fundraising and donor events. During my time in the role, I grew my staff from six to eleven fundraisers and led the team to raise over $5M annually by developing innovative strategies, pinpointing opportunities and leading full cycle process execution. I also governed an annual operational budget of $500K+, including allocating human and monetary capital to maximize ROI. Show less

Cleveland, Ohio

I earned my first promotion to create and lead the implementation of a strategic development plan for third-party fundraising, cause marketing, signature fundraising events and sponsorships. I was responsible for the growth of high-level donor engagement and cultivation programs by working closely with support organization and corporations to analyze, develop and execute grass roots fundraising and cause marketing programs.

Selected Accomplishments in my initial role with the organization included…Securing and stewarding substantial gifts from corporations, while acquiring new local corporate partnerships through prospecting and increasing local brand awareness.Actualizing new revenue streams through event sponsorship, employee giving and direct mail solicitation.Steering communications with stakeholders to inspire and create brand champions.

Masters Of Science, Polymer Science

Bachelor Of Science, Chemistry