SARASOTA, Fla. — Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, recently welcomed Mary Jo Heider as its first development director.
Heider brings more than 18 years of experience in fundraising, grant writing and donor relations to the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. The team-orientated and mission-driven professional will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan in partnership with the CEO. She will also serve as the organization’s major gift fundraiser, manage the nonprofit’s donor relations activities, oversee the event manager and maintain all special events, administer an annual giving program and act as an advocate for the agency.
The talent management company MBJ Group worked with the nonprofit to search for and secure a candidate for this position.
“We are so excited to have Mary Jo join the Neuro Challenge Foundation team as our first development director,” said Robyn Faucy-Washington, chief executive officer of the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. “Her expansive development experience will allow us to reach and serve more people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.”
Most recently, she served as the community relations and development manager for The Circus Arts Conservatory. During her 10-year tenure there, Heider spearheaded nonprofit funding, managed more than 400 volunteers, helped with a $4 million capital campaign and assisted with grants and grant writing.
Heider earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and government affairs from Florida State University. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the board of advisors for The Life of Riley Foundation.
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s accomplishes its mission by providing individualized care advising, community resource referrals and semi-annual educational events. The nonprofit serves more than 2,700 people affected by Parkinson’s each year at no charge – thanks to the generosity of the communities it serves.
About MBJ Group
Founded in 2000 by Mary Beth and Jim Bos, MBJ Group is a talent management company. The husband-and-wife team has over 60 years of combined experience paired with the creativity, human capital and strategic resources to get the optimal performance from an organization. The premier provider’s services include employee, group and individual talent management solutions, job placement, staff development and strategic services, executive recruitment and onboarding and transitioning services. For more information, visit www.MBJGroup.com.