New Philanthropy Leader Brings Passion and Experience to Merrimack Valley YMCA
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is strengthening its fundraising team with the addition of Elizabeth Fitzsimons as the Vice President of Philanthropy.
“As a non-profit, we rely on philanthropy to support the programs and services that create meaningful impact in our communities,” said Merrimack Valley YMCA President and CEO Francis J. Kenneally III. “Philanthropy allows us to feed families in need, provide transitional housing, send youth to camp, offer health and wellness programs to cancer survivors and so much more. Bringing on an experienced fundraiser like Elizabeth will elevate our work and expand our ability to serve the Greater Lawrence community.”
Fitzsimons brings to the YMCA more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with a passion for leveraging donor engagement and philanthropy to advance justice and equity. Most recently, she was the Board Engagement Officer at the Pine Street Inn.
Throughout her career Fitzsimons has worked to deepen donor engagement by creating and leading effective annual fund, major giving, and stewardship programs. She has worked in development at organizations including the Pike School in Andover and the New England Aquarium.
In her role as Vice President of Philanthropy, Fitzsimons will work closely with YMCA leadership to define and implement the donor engagement and stewardship strategy for all Merrimack Valley YMCA programs.
Fitzsimons is a long time Merrimack Valley YMCA volunteer, donor, and board member, most recently serving as the Vice Chair of the Andover Branch Board of Managers and as a member of the MVYMCA Strategic Planning Task Force, helping to craft the organization’s 2025-2027 strategic plan.
“I’m honored and excited to deepen my engagement with my Y, and to help strengthen our community of philanthropists in the Merrimack Valley dedicated to supporting youth and families,” said Fitzsimons.
Fitzsimons lives in North Andover with her husband and two daughters.
To learn more about the Merrimack Valley YMCA and its programs and memberships see our website at http://www.mvymca.org.
