Stephanie Lowrey-Willson, Ed.D
American Cancer Society - Nevada
Las Vegas,NV
16
years of professional experience
Executive leader with more than 15 years of experience driving organizational growth through strategic relationship building, business development, sales leadership, and operational excellence. Recognized for cultivating high-value partnerships, developing high-performing teams, and leading organizations through growth, change, and transformation while delivering measurable business results.
Throughout my career, I have built trusted relationships with Fortune 500 executives, healthcare leaders, boards of directors, elected officials, philanthropists, and community stakeholders to expand market presence, generate revenue, strengthen partnerships, and advance organizational priorities. I excel at identifying opportunities, connecting people, and transforming relationships into long-term strategic partnerships that create sustainable growth.
As Executive Director for the American Cancer Society in Nevada, I led a $5 million market by driving strategic initiatives, business development, board engagement, fundraising, and cross-functional leadership. My leadership philosophy is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and empowering teams to exceed expectations while building cultures of trust, innovation, and high performance.
Known for my executive presence, relationship-first leadership style, and ability to influence across diverse audiences, I bring a unique combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, sales acumen, and people leadership. Whether expanding partnerships, building high-performing teams, or leading organizational change, I consistently deliver measurable results through authentic relationships, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
Work History
Executive Director
3 Years- Executive leadership for the Nevada market, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and team leadership.
- Led a high-performing market, generating more than $5 million in annual revenue.
- Consistently exceeded fundraising and organizational performance goals through strategic planning and execution.
- Built and led high-performing volunteer boards, executive committees, and cross-functional teams.
- Developed and managed C-suite corporate partnerships with healthcare systems, hospitality companies, and community leaders.
- Drove market strategy, business development, and community engagement to expand organizational impact.
- Coached, developed, and inspired staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
- Managed complex budgets, priorities, and organizational change in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
- Served as the primary executive representative for the organization across Nevada, cultivating relationships with civic, philanthropic, and business leaders.
- Featured in local television, print, and digital media representing the American Cancer Society across Southern Nevada.
- Served as the organization's primary media spokesperson for cancer awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community events.
- Built public awareness through interviews, speaking engagements, and strategic community partnerships.
Executive Director
5 Years 4 Months- Provided executive leadership for a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults throughout Southern Nevada.
- Directed strategic planning, organizational growth, financial oversight, and day-to-day operations while ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and long-term objectives.
- Secured and managed federal, state, foundation, and private grant funding to expand evidence-based programs and sustain organizational growth.
- Developed innovative health, wellness, education, and social engagement programs that improved outcomes and increased access to services for older adults.
- Built and cultivated strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, universities, government agencies, corporations, and community organizations to expand organizational reach and impact.
- Recruited, developed, and led multidisciplinary staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture.
- Served as the organization's primary spokesperson, representing Age On at community events, public forums, media interviews, and stakeholder meetings.
- Established organizational policies, operational procedures, and performance metrics that strengthened accountability, compliance, and program effectiveness.
- Collaborated with board members to advance governance, strategic priorities, fundraising initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
- Led organizational change initiatives that positioned Age On as a recognized leader in healthy aging, community engagement, and evidence-based programming.
Regional Community Outreach Director, BPM Senior Living
3 Years 5 Months- Managed and developed a team of 20 across multiple senior living communities while driving referral growth, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting occupancy objectives.
- Led regional business development and community engagement initiatives across multiple senior living communities by building trusted relationships with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and families.
- Developed strategic partnerships that increased referrals, strengthened market presence, and enhanced the organization's reputation throughout Southern Nevada.
- Increased qualified referrals by 65% through strategic relationship development with hospitals, physicians, rehabilitation centers, case managers, and community organizations.
- Consistently converted qualified referrals into resident move-ins through a consultative, relationship-driven sales process, contributing to the community maintaining approximately 90% occupancy (census).
- Served as a trusted resource for families, guiding them through complex care decisions while connecting them with appropriate services and support.
- Cultivated long-term partnerships through exceptional responsiveness, consistent follow-through, and personalized relationship management.
- Designed and facilitated educational events, professional networking opportunities, and community outreach initiatives that strengthened stakeholder engagement and organizational visibility.
- Led and mentored outreach teams while developing training resources and best practices that elevated team performance and client experience.
Community Outreach Director
2 Years 6 Months- Strengthened organizational growth by building trusted relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and families while increasing the organization's visibility throughout Southern Nevada.
- Served as a strategic ambassador for the community by connecting people with resources, cultivating partnerships, and creating exceptional client experiences.
- Developed strategic partnerships with physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, senior service organizations, and community leaders to expand referral networks and strengthen organizational awareness.
- Consistently converted qualified referrals into resident move-ins through a consultative, relationship-driven sales process, contributing to the community maintaining approximately 90% occupancy.
- Guided families through important life transitions by providing education, personalized support, and trusted resources to help them make informed care decisions.
- Planned and executed community outreach initiatives, educational programs, and professional networking events that enhanced stakeholder engagement and strengthened community relationships.
- Collaborated with executive leadership and operational teams to align outreach strategies with organizational goals and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
- Collaborated with local organizations to organize impactful events promoting senior living resources and programs.
Manger of Volunteer Services
1 Year 8 Months- Directed volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention initiatives, building a highly engaged volunteer workforce to support critical community programs.
- Managed and scheduled 300+ active volunteers, ensuring appropriate staffing across multiple service areas and special events.
- Developed strategic partnerships with corporations, community organizations, and civic groups to expand volunteer engagement and increase community support.
- Planned and executed volunteer recognition, appreciation, and retention initiatives that strengthened engagement and improved long-term participation.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align volunteer resources with organizational priorities, maximizing program efficiency and client impact.
- Coordinated volunteer operations for fundraising events, food distribution, and community outreach initiatives serving thousands of Older Southern Nevada annually.
- Created and implemented volunteer policies, training materials, and operational procedures to improve consistency, compliance, and service quality.
- Represented the organization throughout the community, cultivating relationships with nonprofit partners, businesses, and civic leaders to increase organizational visibility.
Education
Doctor of Education - Ed.D - Organizational Change and Leadership
M.A - Urban Leadership, Urban Education and Leadership
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Public Administration
B.A - Communications
Skills
Executive Leadership
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Relationship Building
Strategic Partnerships
Revenue Growth
Team Leadership
Operational Leadership
Board Governance
Stakeholder Engagement
Change Management
Community Engagement
Timeline
Executive Director
American Cancer Society - Nevada
07.2023 - 07.2026Read More
Executive Director
Age On
01.2018 - 05.2023Read More
Regional Community Outreach Director, BPM Senior Living
BOWEN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO/ BPM SENIOR LIVING COMPANY
08.2014 - 01.2018Read More
Community Outreach Director
Pacifica Senior Living
02.2012 - 08.2014Read More
Manger of Volunteer Services
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
06.2010 - 02.2012Read More
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
B.A from Communications
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Anna Maria College
Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Public Administration
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University of Nevada-Las Vegas
M.A from Urban Leadership, Urban Education and Leadership
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University of Southern California
Doctor of Education - Ed.D from Organizational Change and Leadership
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Community Involvement
- Leadership Las Vegas, Class of 2018
- Jameson Fellowship, Class of 2021
- America Society on Aging Research Award, 2022
- President of the Junior League of Las Vegas, 2022
- Organizational direction in partnership with the Board of Directors. providing strategic leadership, governance oversight
- Led executive leadership and volunteer teams through strategic planning, financial stewardship, organizational change, and leadership development, strengthening operational effectiveness and member engagement.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, and civic stakeholders to expand community impact and advance the organization's mission.