Director of Major Donors

Shannon oversees the Major Donors department of Operation Blessing. She joined OBI in 2008 and brings with her an extensive background in many areas of fundraising including: major gifts; capital campaigns; planned giving; corporate sponsorships; event fundraising; foundation gifts; and more. Before joining OBI, Shannon was active in the Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads where she has served as president since 2002. Prior to that, she was the founder/owner of Development by Design, a fundraising and event consulting company where she designed and managed fundraising projects such as a $1.2 million capital campaign for Ronald McDonald House. She was also the Executive Director for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Hampton Roads and also in Naples, Fla. In addition, she was the District Director for Muscular Dystrophy Association in Hampton Roads and also in Maryland.

Shannon was named one of three "Outstanding Young Virginians" in 2007 and was also named one of Hampton Roads’ "Top 40 Under 40" in 2005. She currently serves on the board of the Town Leadership Alliance (Towne Bank Board of Young Professionals and Business Owners); served on the General Advisory Council of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (Office of Career & Technical Education); was the Chairman of the Board in 2007 for the Virginia Beach Jaycees; is the president for the East Coast Surfing Championships for 2008; is an Executive Committee Member for Lynnhaven River Now; and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Shannon is a graduate of James Madison University and also is a graduate of "Lead Hampton Roads," a 10-month Leadership Training Program that focuses on issues impacting the region. She and her husband Patrick live in Virginia Beach and Shannon loves to cycle, hike, and travel.