Hannah Rushing

Background

About Hannah Rushing

With over 10 years of experience in advancement, non profit fundraising, donor stewardship strategy, major gifts, and community engagement, I am a certified professional coach, goat dairy farm owner, volunteer firefighter, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in higher ed, resource conservation, and life long learning. In my leadership role at Sterling College, as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, I spearhead the College's fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement programs while ensuring alignment with our core mission and values. I work to strategically manage a diverse portfolio that encompasses annual funds, major gifts, stakeholder relations, and communications, all while balancing overarching leadership with hands-on execution. I have successfully directed and executed a multitude of fundraising strategies, a annual fund, and $2M capital campaign, online marketing, brand loyalty, and operations for nonprofit organizations, including Lesley Ellis School, a progressive early childhood, elementary, and middle school in Boston teaching an award winning anti-bias curriculum. As the Director of Advancement at Lesley Ellis School, I managed the annual fund, Spring auction, donor cultivation and solicitation, social media engagement, family and stakeholder outreach, school events, and alumni relations program. I increased the annual fund revenue by 30%, secured major gifts up to and launched a new alumni network platform. I also collaborated with the school leadership and faculty to promote and support the anti-bias curriculum and the developmental model of learning that engages children's curiosity and critical thinking about complex social issues. My creative problem solving skills, cheer, focus on collaboration, ability to multitask, thrive independently, oversee logistics, and connect with a diverse group of team members, clients, and stakeholders are proven assets. I am a life-long naturalist currently launching an alpine goat dairy, FIND A WAY FARM, in Northern Vermont and am a zealous advocate for environmental conservation, learning, and adventure.