BCPS appointed Vanessa Starr as its Development Director on July 20. Vanessa will lead the organization’s Community Outreach Team and the development of a strategic fundraising and community outreach plan. Most recently, she was the Director of Volunteer Services at Reading Hospital – Tower Health, where she worked with The Friends of Reading Hospital on their fundraisers – Tower Ball, Tower Golf, Garden Party, Road Run and Holiday Happening, and the three hospital gift shops. Vanessa implemented an annual appeal, increasing giving nearly 30% in the first year, and established new sponsorship levels for their events, resulting in a 150% increase in net profits for the golf tournament, along with a double-digit growth in the other sponsored fundraisers. She was most proud of her work with HeartSAFE Berks County, where she was able to work with The Friends in placing 650 life-saving AEDs throughout Berks County.
In addition to Reading Hospital – Tower Health, Vanessa previously worked at The Children’s Home of Reading, Jan Grieff Research Associates, Opportunity House, and Easter Seals of Eastern PA, all in development roles. With 20 years of nonprofit experience in Berks County, Vanessa brings her knowledge of fundraising, major gifts, event planning, and marketing to her new role.
She graduated with a BA in Speech Communications from Bloomsburg, and is working on an MBA from Alvernia University.
Vanessa is thrilled to join the BCPS team and has this to say about her new role, “Since joining BCPS, I have been in awe of nearly every aspect presented to me: the mission, the passion of the staff to help change lives, the culture so intentionally developed by the leadership team, and the sincere appreciation the executive directors have for every member of the staff. It is not often we find a place that embodies our internal calling in life. At the end of the day, I want to know that I made a difference, and did so with a team of like-minded people. And at BCPS, I feel I can do that, and so much more! I am so very excited to have the opportunity to work with BCPS!”
Vanessa resides in Exeter with her son, Jack and dog, Finn. Her daughter, Victoria, is working on her graduate degree in neuroscience at UC Riverside (California).
BCPS is excited to welcome Vanessa to our team! In addition to bringing her wealth of experience, she brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for life improvement with her! Vanessa can be reached at [email protected] or 484-260-4581 ext. 3043.
