Serena Graves

Serena Graves is the current Family Services Program Director at Family Promise of Spokane. Serena has a long and varied work history, most recently as Community Relations/Development Manager at SNAP. In this role, they were responsible for donor relations/cultivation, events, endowment strategy, planned giving, and general fundraising for Spokane County's community action agency. Serena was also responsible for creating the monthly newsletter and working on media relations, general outreach, marketing, and branding.

Serena was assigned as one of the lead fundraisers in SNAP's first-ever capital campaign in 2012. This campaign raised around $2 million and allowed SNAP to purchase the former Dominican Building for use as its Mission Support Center. Over the course of their tenure at SNAP, Serena was able to contribute in other areas as well. Serena came up with the idea for SNAP's new slogan - "Neighbors by Your Side" - which was adopted in 2017. Serena also formed the agency's first-ever Planned Giving Advisory Council and was instrumental in developing meaningful partnerships with major corporate donors as well as strengthening connections with some of SNAP's top individual donors.

Serena originated the idea for SNAP's 5K run in 2013, working with representatives of Chase Bank. The Dad's Day Dash is now in its eighth year and is SNAP's second most lucrative fundraiser. Serena also led an effort in 2016 to establish SNAP's "Gold Club" campaign, which has more than tripled the amount of SNAP's endowment over four years. Additionally, they originated the name of SNAP's largest fundraiser - The Ode to Opportunity - and each year recruits the majority of the table sponsors as well as many individual guests.

Last year, Serena approached SNAP administration with an idea to start a mentoring program based on the positive experiences she's had as a longtime volunteer with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. The idea was accepted and has shown to be very beneficial as way to connect senior SNAP employees with newer hires, helping them learn the culture, history, and mission of the agency.

Serena Graves has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oregon.

Serena Graves reports to Joe Ader, Executive Director. Some of their coworkers include Jeff Baiocco - Finance Manager, Mike Sanders - Operations Director, and Hilary Michalowicz - Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives & Grants Manager. A direct report to Serena Graves is and Chris Harbert - Family Services Program Manager.