LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that Jodi Leonard has been selected as the vice president of the Virginia Baptist Homes (VBH) Foundation. In this role, Leonard will lead the annual planning, relationship building and fundraising administration for the organization. For the past four years, she served as the organization’s director of development. Her expected transition date to the vice president role is January 1, 2020.
Leonard succeeds Pat Morris who will retire in December 2019 after eight years of service.
“We are grateful to Pat for her service to the foundation. Her work will leave a lasting impact on our organization. While we are sad to see her go, I’m confident Jodi will pick up right where Pat left off,” said Jonathan Cook, LifeSpire of Virginia’s President and CEO. “In Jodi’s tenure with LifeSpire of Virginia, it has become abundantly clear that she is dedicated to serving non-profits and is always willing to go above and beyond for the residents and staff in each of our communities. Her commitment to servant leadership and passion for our mission make it possible for our residents to live purposefully in their home long after their resources have been exhausted.”
A Long Island native, Leonard has more than 25 years of fundraising experience in Virginia and New York. She recently received her designation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) from CFRE International signifying confidence in ethical fundraising, accountability, service and commitment to making a difference for good. She also completed a Leadership Intensive Training for New and Emerging Directors from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.
Leonard attended Nassau College in New York and received certification in fundraising from the University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy. She keeps busy at home with three children, two dogs and one guinea pig.