Heather Dinnen with daughter Willa
SHARON -- Silver Lake Conference Center announced today that Heather Dinneen will be the new Development Associate. Dinneen will help improve fundraising and cultivate donor relationships with the Conference's Outdoor Ministries site.
"I am delighted to welcome Heather to the Silver Lake community," said The Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer, Executive Director of Silver Lake. "Heather brings a wealth of development experience. Her outstanding work in the non-profit world will fit nicely at Silver Lake. She has extensive experience and training in developing, educating, and expanding donor bases. The energy and passion she brings to everything she does will be a gift to Silver Lake and the ministry we do sharing God’s Love."
Dinneen has a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Social Work as well a Master's Degree in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path University. She has worked in many non-profit and community programs including shelters, programs for children, and community-based foundations. She has experience in grant writing, coordinating volunteers, and non-profit administration. Most recently, Dineen was the Executive Director of Little Guild of St. Francis, a no-kill shelter in Northwest CT founded in 1960, and Chore Service, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides assistance to elderly and disabled residents.
Dinneen's primary role at Silver Lake will be working with existing donors and cultivating new supporters. She will attend many of Silver Lake's fundraising events, such as Fancy Camp, the Donor Dinner, the SLCC Golf Tournament, and the 60th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for this summer, where she will interface with donors and strengthen those relationships.
Dinneen says her biggest challenge ahead will be translating the existing deep, personal connections that many people have with Silver Lake into consistent donations to the camp. At the same time, she will be trying to expand those connections and widen support.
"I am very excited to join Silver Lake in the new role of Development Associate," says Dinneen. "I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers to expand fundraising efforts and broaden connections with supporters."
Dinneen lives in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, with her 9 year old daughter, Willa. She begins her new role on January 5.
