Susan Spano Piacenti Cfre

Susan Spano Piacenti, CFRE has over 20 years of work experience in various roles related to fundraising and development. Susan most recently served as the Vice President of Philanthropy at Newport Mental Health, starting in 2023. Prior to that, they worked as an Advancement Officer at The Preservation Society of Newport County from 2022 to 2023.

From 2018 to 2022, Susan held the position of Director of Development at Newport County YMCA. In this role, they spearheaded the organization's $10 million Capital Campaign and $600,000 Annual Campaign, raising over $12 million for the capital project and $1 million in annual program grants. Susan also successfully executed 5-7 fundraising events yearly.

Before their time at Newport County YMCA, Susan worked at YMCA Southcoast from 2011 to 2018. During this period, they served as an Annual Campaign Manager, Development Associate/Annual Giving, Development Coordinator/Capital Campaign, and Coordinator for the LIVESTRONG program. Their responsibilities included managing the annual campaign, cultivating and securing major donors, and overseeing the implementation of the LIVESTRONG program.

Susan also has experience as an independent contractor, working as a Yoga Instructor from 2009 to 2013. Additionally, they worked as an Independent Consultant at Southern Living at Home from 2006 to 2009, operating their own in-home party plan business.

Earlier in their career, Susan worked as a Case Worker at Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society from 1999 to 2000, assisting military service members and dependents experiencing financial hardships. Susan also had roles as a Retail Sales Manager at Bath and Body Works from 1997 to 1999, and as a Sales Representative at Liberty Mutual Insurance from 1995 to 1996.

Susan's career began in 1994 as a Marketing Representative at John Hancock Financial Services, where they provided financial investment strategies and conducted seminars on college funding and retirement planning.

Throughout their extensive career, Susan has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a proven track record of successful fundraising efforts, and a dedication to helping organizations achieve their philanthropic goals.

Susan Spano Piacenti, CFRE, obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Bates College, completing their studies from 1990 to 1994. Susan also pursued further education and training in the field of Mind/Body Wellness Coaching, earning a Master Trainer certification from CenteredBeing in a period from 2009 to 2012. Additionally, they completed the YogaFit RYT Program, becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher from 2009 to 2016.

In terms of certifications, Susan obtained the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification from CFRE International in May 2023. Furthermore, they acquired several certificates from NonprofitReady, including Financial Management Essentials, Fundraising Essentials, Grant Seeking Essentials, and Marketing Essentials in February 2022.