Julie Cannon
Dayton
Summary
Accomplished nonprofit leader with expertise in fundraising strategy and team development. Successfully directed multimillion-dollar initiatives and cultivated community engagement, driving measurable growth and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Director
Dayton Art Institute
Dayton
05.2026 - Current
- Led $4 million in annual fundraising through major gifts, annual giving, individual and corporate membership, corporate sponsorships, grants, and signature events, enhancing revenue streams.
- Managed and mentored six-person development team, aligning efforts with fundraising goals and donor engagement priorities.
- Contributed as a member of museum’s senior leadership team, influencing organizational culture, priorities, and strategic direction.
Director of Events and Brand Engagement
Dayton Children’s Hospital
Dayton
11.2017 - 05.2026
- Directed a premier $1 million+ fundraising event, overseeing strategy, volunteer engagement, vendor coordination, logistics, and stakeholder experience.
- Created high-impact experiences that enhanced Dayton Children’s brand through strategic events, sponsorships, employee engagement, patient-centered initiatives, and executive-level programs.
- Managed employee and board recognition programs, executive events, and internal communications initiatives to foster culture and enhance engagement aligned with marketing priorities.
- Developed hospital sponsorship strategies and coordinated cross-functional event execution with leaders, staff, vendors, volunteers, and community partners.
- Oversaw operations for the 3,000-square-foot Inspiration Center conference facility and hospital gift shop, including staff leadership and vendor management.
- Promoted from Manager of Brand Engagement in July 2024 in recognition of expanded leadership scope and organizational impact.
Events Coordinator
Fahlgren-Mortine at Dayton Children’s Hospital
Dayton
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Collaborated with senior leadership, marketing, and development teams to align event strategy with messaging, driving audience engagement and support for initiatives.
- Executed events for major hospital expansion initiatives, enhancing visibility and community engagement for campus expansion and patient tower openings.
- Introduced innovative engagement tactics, such as video mailer and photo mosaic, creating impactful stakeholder experiences that strengthened relationships.
Development Director, Special Events and Sponsorship Manager
Dayton Society of Natural History
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Secured sponsorships, contracted with vendors, and collaborated with volunteer Associate Board to enhance event success.
- Planned and executed Science of Wine 2014 and Boonshoft Bash 2015, driving attendance and engagement.
- Achieved record financial results.
- Designed new membership plan and development strategy to increase member acquisition and retention.
Special Events Coordinator
The Dayton Art Institute
02.2012 - 12.2013
- Planned and executed all museum events, including signature donor gala and large community festival, enhancing community engagement and visibility.
- Collaborated with sponsors and Sponsorship Officer to design and implement event-related sponsorships, maximizing partnership value and event success.
- Created new event components, to enhance guest experience and provide new revenue streams.
- Achieved record setting financial results, consistently surpassing budgets while increasing guest, sponsor, vendor and volunteer satisfaction.
Director of Operations
Convergys Corporation
Cincinnati
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Oversaw client relationship, employee hiring and training, budgeting, and revenue management for entire operation.
- Boosted client revenue through effective strategic relationship management.
- Managed 350+ person call center overseeing sales, service, technical support, credit and collections for Cincinnati Bell Telephone.
Director of Customer Sales and Service, Business Office Supervisor, Account Executive
Cincinnati Bell Telephone
Cincinnati
01.1990 - 01.1997
- Managed sales and customer service operations, enhancing customer satisfaction and team performance.
- Selected for Cincinnati Bell Wireless launch team, collaborating directly with company President to drive project success.
- Promoted twice in three years, demonstrating rapid skill development and increased responsibility.
Condominium Coordinator
Keyes Gateway Realtors
Dayton
01.1989 - 01.1990
Store Manager
Limited Express
01.1988 - 01.1989
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Miami University
Oxford, OhioMini MBA certificate -
Miami University
Oxford, OHSkills
- Fundraising strategy
- Major gifts
- Grants
- Corporate sponsorships
- Annual giving
- Memberships
- Revenue growth
- Signature event strategy
- Event production
- Event management
- Budget management
- Sponsor engagement
- Board engagement
- Volunteer engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Development leadership
- Brand engagement
- Donor recognition
- Fundraising events
Volunteer Experience
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Student Visionary of the Year campaign, 01/01/20, 12/01/25, Adult leadership committee, co-chair 2024-2025
- Oakwood Schools Foundation, Board of Trustees, 01/01/10, 12/01/18, Board Chair 2016-2018, Fundraising Chair 2010-2012, Development Chair 2012-2014, Grants and Program Chair 2014-2016
- Dayton Art Institute, Associate Board, 01/01/08, 12/01/11, Art Ball Chair 2011
- Clothes That Work, Board of Trustees, 01/01/11, 12/01/14
Professional Presentations And Awards
- PRSA Dayton-PRISM award for best special event, 01/01/17
- SHSMD 2018 presenter-Not Just Another Ribbon Cutting: Turning Opening Events into Strategic Messaging, 01/01/18
- Women In Business Networking-Top 25 Women to Watch, 01/01/19
- Beryl Institute May 2021 Educational Series-Managing Morale During Crisis, 05/01/21
- Hermes Advertising Award-bronze for overall event and event installation, 01/01/21
- PRSA Gem City Award-best special event, 01/01/22
- PRSA Gem City Award-best special event, 01/01/23
- PRSA Conference 2023 Presenter-How to Drive Culture and Values Through Reward and Recognition, 01/01/23
Timeline
Development Director
Dayton Art Institute
05.2026 - Current
Director of Events and Brand Engagement
Dayton Children’s Hospital
11.2017 - 05.2026
Events Coordinator
Fahlgren-Mortine at Dayton Children’s Hospital
05.2016 - 11.2017
Development Director, Special Events and Sponsorship Manager
Dayton Society of Natural History
01.2014 - 12.2015
Special Events Coordinator
The Dayton Art Institute
02.2012 - 12.2013
Director of Operations
Convergys Corporation
01.1997 - 01.1999
Director of Customer Sales and Service, Business Office Supervisor, Account Executive
Cincinnati Bell Telephone
01.1990 - 01.1997
Condominium Coordinator
Keyes Gateway Realtors
01.1989 - 01.1990
Store Manager
Limited Express
01.1988 - 01.1989
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Miami University
Mini MBA certificate -
Miami University