Mary Shaffer, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to secure urgently needed resources for United Way that will help eliminate multi-generational poverty in our region and enhance equity and prosperity for all."
Mary serves as Chief Development Officer of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) but is best described as our Revenue Builder. Mary focuses on building a pipeline for major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and government, strengthening the institution’s signature workplace campaigns, and establishing a best-practice Development shop that will meet and surpass fundraising goals year after year. The resources secured will be invested in building a brighter future for all and sustaining increased equity and prosperity for our region.
Mary brings twenty-five years of experience building and managing fundraising programs to the role. Most recently, she served as Associate Vice President for Development at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia. Under her leadership, Einstein brought a $50 million campaign to successful completion and increased fundraising revenue by 400% over eight years. Mary has served in similar roles at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida and Continuum Health Partners in New York City.
Mary has a Master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as several certificates in non-profit management. She is a well-regarded fundraising teacher and mentor and has presented about her work building world-class fundraising programs at national conferences.
Mary enjoys reading, baking and gardening and, most of all, hanging around with her husband Sam, their children, Mark and Elena, and their dog Lola.