DJ

Donna Palmer J.d.

Executive Director at Gary Sinise Foundation

Donna Palmer J.D. has a diverse work experience in the nonprofit sector. Donna is currently the Executive Director at the Gary Sinise Foundation, where they assumed the role in August 2022. Prior to this, they served as the Chief Philanthropy Officer at the same foundation from September 2021 to December 2022.

From 2016 to 2021, Palmer worked at Upbring, the largest foster-care and adoption services nonprofit organization in Texas. Donna held the position of Chief External Relations Officer and was responsible for revenue development, strategic partnerships, government and volunteer relations, and marketing and communications.

Before that, Palmer served as the Chief Development Officer at The LIVESTRONG Foundation in 2015, leading various fundraising initiatives and creative outreach to support the organization's mission of improving the lives of people affected by cancer.

From 2012 to 2015, Palmer worked as the Vice President of Individual Giving at the American Diabetes Association, managing a nationwide team and overseeing major gift efforts, direct response marketing, and prospect research.

Earlier in their career, Palmer held leadership positions at Compassion International and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where they led major gift planning and research divisions, managed teams, and contributed to significant revenue budgets.

Palmer also has experience in the legal field, having served as Special Counsel at Butler Snow LLP and National Director of Gift Planning at the American Diabetes Association.

Notably, Palmer completed an international adoption from 2005 to 2010.

Overall, Donna Palmer J.D. brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and marketing to their current role as Executive Director at the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Donna Palmer J.D. earned a JD degree in Law from Tulane University Law School. Prior to that, they completed their undergraduate studies at Drake University, where they obtained a BA degree in Journalism/Public Relations.

Links

Previous companies

Compassion International logo

Timeline

  • Executive Director

    August, 2022 - present

  • Chief Philanthropy Officer

    September, 2021