Corey Lewis
Senior Director, Development
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Dynamic senior development and fundraising leader with 20+ years of experience driving multimillion-dollar revenue for mission-driven organizations. Expertise in securing individual, corporate, and foundation support, with annual fundraising responsibilities ranging from $3M to $7.6M. Proven track record in building strategic partnerships, leading high-performing teams, and delivering sustainable growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Development
Broward College Foundation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
06.2026 - Current
- Develop, cultivate and steward a portfolio of 100-150 donors who can make major, leadership, and principal gifts to support Broward College students and programs
Director of Development
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
Miami, FL
06.2023 - 06.2026
- Drive 20% increase in fundraising over 2 years by modernizing donor engagement, diversifying revenue streams, and aligning development strategy with mission priorities
- Lead organization-wide fundraising initiatives, including sponsorships, foundation and institutional grants, major gifts, memberships, and special events for a $3.5M annual operating budget
- Launched and led the organization’s annual fundraising gala, drawing 400+ attendees and generating $300K–$400K in annual revenue
- Completed a 7-month DeVos Institute intensive in AI and nonprofit management, strengthening strategic planning and data-informed decision-making across the organization
Senior Manager of Corporate Relations
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
Miami, FL
07.2017 - 06.2023
- Led full-cycle donor engagement from prospecting through stewardship, securing gifts ranging from $5K to $1M+ and sustaining partnerships with 100+ sponsors annually
- Directed grant and sponsorship strategy and administration, aligning programs, budgets, metrics, and reporting to ensure compliance and maximize funding impact
- Recruited and managed a five-member development team, strengthening fundraising execution, stewardship, marketing coordination, and community engagement
- Served on leadership team that guided the Book Fair’s participation in the strategic planning process that strengthened governance, fundraising strategy, and operational effectiveness
Manager of Corporate Relations
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
Miami, FL
03.2013 - 07.2017
- Partnered with senior leadership, board members, committees, volunteers, and Miami Dade College departments to advance strategic priorities and ensure program success
- Coordinated cross-functional stakeholders to align fundraising initiatives with institutional goals, strengthening engagement and execution across programs
Chief Development Officer
Hispanic Unity of Florida
Hollywood, FL
09.2011 - 03.2013
- Designed and executed an end-to-end development strategy that expanded donor pipelines and increased mid- to major-level contributions ranging from $1K to $100K+
- Advised and partnered with executive leadership and board stakeholders to prioritize fundraising initiatives and align resources as the organization increased its budget to more than $3 million.
- Produced and scaled signature fundraising and community-focused events, including the Annual Gala, Entrepreneur Summit, and Miniature Golf Tournament.
Partnership Officer
Habitat for Humanity Haiti
- Managed a diverse portfolio of corporate, institutional, and foundation partners, including the American Red Cross, Save the Children, UNOPS, Home Depot, Cemex, and SAP.
- Served as primary relationship manager for the organization’s largest institutional funder, the American Red Cross ($7.6M), coordinating closely with program teams and senior leadership.
- Led proposal development, reporting, budget reallocations, and no-cost extensions for grants ranging from $50,000 to $7.6M, ensuring full compliance with donor requirements.
Development Director
Mentors, Inc.
- Owned all fundraising and community engagement functions, managing a projected annual revenue portfolio of $750K and strengthening donor and community relationships
- Worked closely with the Executive Director and Board to build and execute a multi-year development strategy that diversified revenue streams and increased overall fundraising by 25%
- Planned and delivered the organization’s largest annual fundraising event, generating net proceeds of more than $150K and expanding donor engagement
Director of Development and Manager of Donor Relations
Bill of Rights Institute
- Secured $3M in funding from foundation, corporate, and government partners by expanding grant pipelines and strengthening institutional relationships
- Recruited, trained, and onboarded 11 development staff members, building a scalable and high-performing fundraising team
Education
Master of Business Administration - International Business
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources/Psychology
Michigan State University
Skills
- Fundraising Strategy
- Major Gifts Solicitation
- Grant Development
- Donor Stewardship
- Revenue Growth
- Board Engagement
- Campaign Management
- Event Fundraising
- Prospect Research
- Budget Oversight
Volunteer And Consulting Experience
- Haiti, Peace Corps Volunteer, Managed daily operations of the Good Shepherd Health Clinic; trained 40 community members as HIV/AIDS educators.
- Washington, DC, Consultant, Provided consulting services, including business plans, marketing strategies, and feasibility studies for small businesses in the Washington, DC area.
Timeline
Senior Director of Development
Broward College Foundation
06.2026 - Current
Director of Development
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
06.2023 - 06.2026
Senior Manager of Corporate Relations
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
07.2017 - 06.2023
Manager of Corporate Relations
Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College
03.2013 - 07.2017
Chief Development Officer
Hispanic Unity of Florida
09.2011 - 03.2013
Partnership Officer
Habitat for Humanity Haiti
Development Director
Mentors, Inc.
Director of Development and Manager of Donor Relations
Bill of Rights Institute
Master of Business Administration - International Business
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources/Psychology
Michigan State University