Sharon Drennan
Richmond,VA
Summary
Visionary leader with extensive experience in grassroots marketing and community engagement. Proven ability to build relationships and motivate teams to achieve organizational goals. Engaging public speaker with a strong track record in exceeding fundraising targets and fostering community partnerships. Expertise in volunteer management and event planning, ready to drive organizational success through targeted audience strategies.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Facilitator
Moms In Motion
Falls Church, Virginia
08.2025 - Current
- Conduct meetings with clients and families who are eligible for DMAS Waiver Services, focusing on the elderly and disabled communities.
- Conduct assessments to determine service eligibility and needs.
- Manage documentation to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
- Coordinate individualized care plans to address diverse client needs.
- Assist families in navigating healthcare systems effectively.
Volunteer Manager
Crossroads Healthcare
Richmond, VA
01.2025 - 06.2026
- Managed recruitment and training of volunteers for healthcare initiatives.
- Coordinated volunteer schedules to ensure adequate staffing for events.
- Developed training materials to enhance volunteer skills and knowledge.
Recruitment and Project Manager
Experis Inc.
Seattle, USA
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Manage recruitment efforts of participants in the delivery of client directed research studies
- Facilitate the process of initial and sustained involvement of study participants through relationship building and outreach efforts including various media platforms, networking and community partnerships.
- Manage team of 3 individuals focused on digital marketing and database coordination
- Identify untapped markets and new outreach strategies in order to grow participant pool
- Increase ROI for participant growth through events, Meetups and other recruitment efforts
- Focus on partnering with diverse and underserved communities ensuring that all voices are heard
Corporate Engagement Associate
Humankind
Richmond, USA
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Hired as a consultant to work closely with VP of Development in order to build awareness and fundraise in support of organizations programs serving the Richmond Region
- Spearheaded, planned, organized, solicited sponsors and built teams for the first annual Golf Challenge fundraiser
- Exceeded fundraising goals while creating new relationships with donors and supporters. Of 22 sponsors, 17 were new to the organization.
- Worked closely with staff, Board members and fundraising committee in order to appropriately sell event sponsorships. Built relationships with individuals and corporations while educating them on the mission of the organization.
- Conducted weekly team meetings in order to update the team and motivate committee members to assist in outreach efforts.
- Tracked and updated data in Excel as donor management system
- Conducted formal debrief meetings in order to capture input for team and set goals for next event
Workforce Development Coordinator
Caritas
Richmond, USA
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Facilitated classes and workshops for individuals returning to the workforce after gaps in employment
- Specialized in self discovery, personality types, emotional intelligence and communication skills
- Experienced in creating and facilitating classes on job search, resume writing, interview skills and dressing for success.
- Successfully graduated over 100 individuals with obstacles to employment from workforce development program
Founder
United Spinal Assoc of VA
Richmond, USA
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Envisioned and developed a non-profit organization filling a gap in unmet services for the spinal cord injury community of Virginia
- Created programs to provide resources and mentorship to individuals affected by spinal cord injuries
- Built relationships with members, sponsors and funders through collaborations and motivating presentations
- Lead a team in planning and executing fundraising events, annual adaptive surfing events, including hotel/food/travel planning and negotiations
- Advocated for the rights of the disabled community locally and federally
- Worked with state organizations and lawmakers to create legislation requiring the Commonwealth of VA to capture data on spinal cord injuries
Director Community Engagement/Volunteer Manager
Caritas
Richmond, USA
01.2008 - 12.2015
- Advanced organizational strategy for non-profit delivering shelter, furniture and job readiness programming throughout community
- Developed and strengthened relationships with corporations, civic groups, congregations, schools and individuals to drive program growth and enhance reach
- Promoted CARITAS objectives through multiple media channels and speaking engagements
- Recruited, trained, mobilized and lead 18,000 volunteers annually, as well as professional staff for communications, marketing, social media and administrative functions
- Planned, promoted and coordinated annual fundraising events including arts festival
- Supervised staff of two Volunteer Coordinators
Education
Myers Briggs Certification - Personality Assessment Facilitation
Leadership Institute -
Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Innerwill
Fund Development and Grant Writing Certification -
University of Richmond
Non-Profit Management -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Skills
- Volunteer engagement and community outreach
- Creative messaging and impactful storytelling
- Event management and fundraising strategies
- Audience targeting and relationship building
- Emotional intelligence and problem solving
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Volunteer Experience
- BRBN Alliance, Founder, Global advocacy/support group for individuals affected by rare disease
- Stand With Rob, Manager, Managed fundraising campaign including two events, successfully raised $100k
- LLS, Team Member, Representing Kerri O'Brien/ Woman of the Year, successfully raised $50k
- Community Advocacy, Partner, Partnered with VA state senator to amend legislation affecting individuals with paralysis
Timeline
Service Facilitator
Moms In Motion
08.2025 - Current
Volunteer Manager
Crossroads Healthcare
01.2025 - 06.2026
Recruitment and Project Manager
Experis Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Corporate Engagement Associate
Humankind
01.2021 - 12.2021
Workforce Development Coordinator
Caritas
01.2018 - 12.2020
Founder
United Spinal Assoc of VA
01.2016 - 12.2018
Director Community Engagement/Volunteer Manager
Caritas
01.2008 - 12.2015
Myers Briggs Certification - Personality Assessment Facilitation
Leadership Institute -
Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Innerwill
Fund Development and Grant Writing Certification -
University of Richmond
Non-Profit Management -
Virginia Commonwealth University