Lisa Rowan-Gillis

Lisa Rowan-Gillis has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor engagement, and community philanthropic initiatives and brings strategic vision, creativity, and innovation to her work. As HopeWell’s Chief Development Officer, Lisa oversees a development and engagement strategy that is responsive to the fast-moving landscape of social impact giving and inclusive of donors from all giving levels and ages. She stewards community partnerships to cultivate the resources necessary to build out new and existing community-integrated programs and supports that address the needs of foster youth and people living with disabilities at varying life stages

Prior to joining HopeWell, Lisa served as Chief Development Officer for United Way of Mass Bay and Merrimack Valley, where she led fundraising initiatives totaling an annual average of $30 million, including workplace giving, major gifts, planned to give, and annual giving. Prior to the United Way, Lisa was Executive Director of Advancement Marketing & Communications at Boston College where she supported all fundraising efforts including the $1.5 billion “Light the World” campaign. Lisa also served as Vice President for Development and Communications at The Home for Little Wanderers, where she led a capital campaign to build a new school and residences for children in The Home’s care.

Lisa holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Boston College.