Lisa Hacker will bring warmth and 20 years of experience to her new role at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati as Director of Philanthropic Planning
Submitted by The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
“Lisa is so warm, plus she brings a wealth of experience. She is a great addition.” That’s how Danielle V. Minson, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, summarizes the April hire of Lisa Hacker as the Jewish Federation’s new Director of Philanthropic Planning, following Debra Steinbuch’s retirement.
Lisa considers the Cincinnati Jewish community a second home. “Cincinnati is a wonderful place. After fourteen years away, I’m so glad to be back in town.”
Lisa has 20 years of experience in Jewish non-profit communal work in Cleveland, Chicago, and Cincinnati. She grew up in Cleveland and attended the University of Cincinnati. After graduating, Lisa worked in the Mayerson JCC Early Childhood School before assuming a role with the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation’s Jewish Giving Department, launching their successful Access program for Jewish young professionals and working closely on Shalom Family. She also supported Fusion, their program for interfaith individuals, couples, and families. Lisa then moved to Chicago, where she was a Development Officer for Friends of the IDF.
Lisa returned to Cleveland in 2012, accepting a position with Cleveland’s Jewish Federation in Women’s Philanthropy. Over the next 12 years, Lisa was promoted to Director of Women’s Philanthropy and then Senior Director of Cleveland’s Annual Campaign. Lisa also managed major gifts and endowment portfolios during her tenure, and ran the Lion of Judah Endowment program for nearly a decade. Most recently, Lisa had been the Senior Director of Cleveland’s Jewish Volunteer Network and had also been leading their Life & Legacy (Create Your Jewish Legacy) initiative.
“Lisa’s fundraising expertise, professional background in and out of the Federation system, and her ability to connect community members and stakeholders, position her perfectly to move us forward in our Planned Giving and Endowments and Donor-Advised Funds initiatives,” said David Harris, the Federation’s Chief Development Officer. “Already her wide range of experience and knowledge has led us to improvements in important areas and she is a great addition to our team. We are thrilled to have her.
“In her new role, Lisa will be a pivotal part of our initiative to enhance Planned Giving and Major Gifts cultivation and solicitations for our community. Planned Giving ensures long-term support and sustainability for our community’s vital services. With Lisa’s guidance, more of our donors are discovering the benefits of these giving options, which help to secure a vibrant future for our community. Our commitment to providing these services underscores our dedication to supporting the philanthropic goals of our community.”
Lisa’s team includes Jim Friedman, who helps donors with estate planning and transformational giving opportunities, and Marci Blachman, the new Donor Relations Officer for Donor-Advised Funds. Marci, previously the Director of Agency Fundraising, has excelled in her new role, connecting with donors and facilitating their philanthropic giving within and beyond the Jewish community.
Lisa’s commitment to her work showed from day one. In her first week on the job, she made a legacy commitment to the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, in addition to her ongoing annual campaign support as a Lion of Judah donor.
“This opportunity was an unexpected yet wonderful surprise,” said Lisa. “It’s been exciting to reconnect with old friends and be welcomed back by so many community members. Cincinnati holds a very special place in my heart. I am proud to do my part to ensure that Jewish traditions and communities that mean so much to me will not only survive but thrive for generations to come.”
Among other accomplishments, Lisa is fluent in American Sign Language, knowledgeable in current tax laws and investments, and was honored as a “Community Difference Maker” by the Cleveland Jewish News. She has served or currently serves on the boards of five different Jewish organizations.
