Announcing the 2023 NonProfit Professionals of the Year Award
By Amanda Cole and Kalie VanDewater
Your nonprofit is likely in the middle of its year-end campaign at this very moment. And while we provide you with the latest tips and tactics for all things fundraising, leadership, technology and more all year long, it’s time to take a step back and acknowledge the good your peers have achieved. Each year, we ask you to nominate your top picks for our NonProfit Professionals of the Year Awards — and you never disappoint.
It wasn’t easy, but we sorted through each and every one of the hundreds of nominations you submitted to ensure we found the most inspiring nonprofit professionals to recognize. This year’s winners have addressed food insecurity, pushed for better healthcare for children, expanded civic participation and so much more.
Over the past two weeks, we have announced the winners in each category. Click on the categories below to learn more about the 2023 Nonprofit Professionals of the Year and all the amazing feats they’ve accomplished with their organizations. They’re truly inspiring.
NonProfit Professional of the Year Award
Erin McAleer
President and CEO
Project Bread
Boston
Her nominator said: In all she does, McAleer brings awareness of the health, educational and economic disparities that perpetuate poverty and hunger, and an unparalleled resolve to correct them at every opportunity.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Teri Nestel
Former President and CEO
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Salt Lake City
Her nominator said: In February 2020, tragedy struck the nonprofit after a sudden accident took the life of its president and CEO. Shortly after, Teri was named president and CEO, with the honor of being the first female to lead the organization. Despite having retirement in her sights at the time, she changed her life plan.
Fundraiser of the Year Award
Kristi Nelson
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Childhaven
Seattle
Her nominator said: Kristi is someone who immediately stands out due to her kindness, compassion, authenticity and infectious laughter. When Kristi interviewed at Childhaven in late-2016, our consensus was “How do we not hire this person?”
Rising Star Award
William Jackson
Membership Coordinator
New Georgia Project Action Fund
Atlanta
His nominator said: Within 12 months, William has achieved quantifiable outcomes and has also exhibited leadership that bridges communities and drives civic participation. His unwavering commitment to empower Black, Latinx, AAPI and the youth of Georgia has brought to the fore the voices of those who have been historically marginalized.
Unsung Hero Award
Hillary Alford
Senior Director of Direct Marketing
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennesee
Her nominator said: Hillary has quietly worked to get to know and earn the trust of the doctors, patients and patient families who have entrusted her to share their St. Jude moments. Her writing is raising more than $500 million in revenues each year and she has made all of us smarter about recognizing the warning signs of childhood cancer.
Of course, it’s never too early to start recognizing the incredible feats of those who go above and beyond as we head into the new year. Details for the 2024 NonProfit Professionals of the Year awards will be announced on our website as they become available. Or, subscribe to NonProfit PRO's e-newsletter to get the announcement directly in your inbox.
