Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Amanda Lessley to its staff with the creation of a new development position to better serve its growing regional family of affiliated funds.
In the new position of Development Officer, Lessley will develop strategies for supporting and sustaining the mission of the community foundation and its 130 affiliated funds. She will coordinate annual events, donor stewardship programs and provide training assistance to affiliated fund leaders who are building endowments in communities in Southeastern Illinois.
In 2002, Lessley graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications. Since earning her degree, she has dedicated her career to the non-profit sector, explaining “I truly believe that private charity is one of the greatest traditions of American history and the most effective tools for meeting needs of our local communities.” Lessley has more than 12 years of experience in non-profit development and fundraising. She currently serves on the Jasper County Community Foundation Advisory Board and is coordinating 100 Women Who Care Jasper County, a new giving circle designed to engage women in local philanthropy. Amanda and her family reside in Newton, Illinois.
“Amanda’s professional background as well as her enthusiasm for local philanthropy will be of great value to our organization and the communities in our region,” explains Joedy Hightower, President/CEO of Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.
