Posted: July 29, 2011

MacConnell has been named director of development for The Up Center in Norfolk.

A job that Betters Lives

The mission of The Up Center is simple yet profound. We help people better their lives. We envision a strong community comprised of healthy children, healthy families and healthy individuals of all ages. The Up Center has seven locations throughout Hampton Roads and offers more than 25 programs for children, adults and families. Our programs include child placement, child and family support, counseling and intervention, disability services, senior support, and housing and financial counseling.

As director of development, I'm responsible for increasing our fundraising efforts through major gifts, planned giving and corporate sponsorship. With changes in government funding, gifts from individuals and corporations are imperative, now more than ever. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity in my position to meet with our stakeholders, supporters, volunteers and donors and work with them to fund the programs that support those in need in our community.

Center's Importance

At The Up Center, we respond to the needs of our community and offer a variety of programs to take care of those in our community. Last year we were able to assist nearly 10,000 people in Hampton Roads. Our foster care and adoption programs provided homes for 66 children. Our in-home services provided over 17,000 hours of intensive counseling to prevent children from being placed in foster care. Our Team Up Mentoring program provided over 150 youth with mentors. Last summer we were able to provide 117 children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to attend our Camp Horizon. Our housing counselors helped 470 homeowners facing foreclosure. Our representative payee program helped 1,200 adults with disabilities, including veterans with services to prevent homelessness. Our early childhood programs helped over 150 families. Our impact on the community is apparent through the outcomes and success stories of the 25-plus programs we offer. The Up Center continues to identify and respond to the ever-changing needs of our community's most vulnerable individuals.

Nonprofit work

I started my career in fundraising working for the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities or ALSAC, which is the fundraising arm of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital [in Memphis]. I learned a great deal working for a national organization and had the opportunity to meet and work with many community leaders right here in Hampton Roads and throughout the country. Most recently I had the opportunity to work for Seton Youth Shelters [in Hampton Roads] as its director of special events and marketing. At Seton Youth Shelters, I was responsible for managing fundraising efforts through special events. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for a national organization and small local organization - both have provided me with experiences and given me the tools that I need to lead the development department here at The Up Center to the next level while increasing donor support of our organization.

Life-changing moment

I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when I was a sophomore in college. I was lucky. My melanoma was caught at an early stage and I had a strong base of support through my family and friends that got me through my difficult time. However, the impact of my diagnosis was life-changing.

At 19, I realized that life is short and that you need to take advantage of every opportunity given to you but most importantly you need to take care of those around you.

One of my favorite quotes is from Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself; it is what you do for others."

I have dedicated my professional and personal life to doing for others and am thankful for every opportunity given me where I have the chance to make a difference in someone's life.

As the director of development for The Up Center, I know that all of my hard work and all of the money I raise will go back to an organization that is making impacts on people's lives every day. Giving back and becoming involved in your community is important - you never know if you will be in the position of needing a helping hand one day.

Hampton Roads continues to impress me with the pride we all take in our community and through the generosity of those who call this area home. nib