LESLIE GENOVESE

Director, Corporate Relations

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

07.2004 - Current

Director, Corporate Relations
Senior Manager, Corporate Relations and Special Events
Manager, Special Events
Events Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Secured multiple six and seven-figure transformational gifts, aligning donor priorities with organizational mission and impact.
Contributed to capital campaign fundraising efforts, playing a key role in strategic planning, donor cultivation, and campaign execution.
Raised over $4 million annually through a diverse mix of cause marketing initiatives, employee engagement campaigns, community giving campaigns, event sponsorships, and corporate philanthropic partnerships.
Developed and executed complex project management plans in collaboration with cross-functional internal teams, ensuring timely and effective delivery of fundraising and engagement programs.
Spearheaded comprehensive proposal development and grant writing processes, resulting in high conversion rates and long-term funding relationships.
Cultivated strategic partnerships with retail and food industry corporations, driving multi-channel engagement and long-term philanthropic commitments.
Fostered and maintained high-impact corporate and community partnerships through thoughtful engagement strategies and consistent stewardship.
Planned and implemented community engagement and fundraising events that significantly increased visibility, volunteerism, and unrestricted revenue.
Developed and led community engagement strategies to align public involvement with organizational goals, deepening stakeholder investment.
Oversaw the growth and administration of corporate and community volunteer programs, increasing participation and retention year-over-year.
Provided effective staff leadership and management, including hiring, training, and mentoring high-performing development and engagement teams.
Facilitated collaboration between internal departments and external partners, ensuring program alignment and seamless execution.
Built and maintained trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders—from C-suite executives to front-line staff, demonstrating adaptability and influence at all organizational levels.