Nancy McCann

I am a builder of philanthropic programs -- designing planned giving, nonprofit startup, conversions, and major gift initiatives.

• Philanthropic Advising & Strategy – Expert in guiding high-net-worth individuals in creating customized philanthropic strategies.
• Relationship Management – Proven ability to steward donors, advisors, and stakeholders with integrity, discretion, and responsiveness.
• Project Leadership – Skilled in managing complex projects across teams; strong record of delegating, tracking, and delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within scope.
• Thought Leadership Development – Experience creating donor resources, educational materials, and sector insights to advance philanthropic understanding and impact.
• Strategic Communication – Excellent written and oral communication skills with a focus on clarity, influence, and collaboration.
• Innovative Program Design – Adept at identifying opportunities and launching new philanthropic programs that align with donor goals and organizational mission.
• Client-Centered Problem Solving – Creative and adaptable in addressing client needs with customized solutions and proactive support.
• High Standards & Integrity – Consistently demonstrates accountability, confidentiality, and a commitment to excellence in service and execution.

Summa Health Group, January 2023 to present

Senior Director, Development

• Lead strategic major gift fundraising for eight clinical institutes, building high-touch donor engagement strategies to align with institutional priorities.
• Cultivate and steward over 150 major donors ($25,000+), integrating philanthropic goals with clinical advancement.
• Build and facilitate Leadership Councils across all institutes, fostering collaborative donor communities and deepening philanthropic involvement.
• Collaborate across departments to develop materials, events, and touchpoints that reflect institutional needs and donor interests.

Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, January 2021 to December 2022

VP, Philanthropy

• Partnered with the VNA Health Group’s CDO to develop and launch a comprehensive fundraising and communications plan for Ohio, including a new planned giving program across six New Jersey joint ventures.
• Conducted full development/communications audit; authored SWOT analysis and strategic growth plan presented to the Ohio board.
• Designed the "Caring Together" theme and related digital collateral for consistent philanthropic messaging.
• Launched “Fairways to Giving” golf outing, recruiting 30+ volunteers and 85 sponsors annually to raise $150K in unrestricted support.
• Secured $1.2M in funding through strategic relationship management, emphasizing behavioral health and workforce development.

InMotion, March 2016 – December 2020

Chief Development Officer

• Built infrastructure for a mission-driven startup, including gift acceptance policies, financial protocols, and donor systems.
• Led all fundraising, communications, and digital engagement initiatives, managing a cross-functional team of 6 development professionals and 35 program coaches.
• Diversified funding stream shifting from foundation-dependent to a balanced portfolio including individuals and corporations—growing revenue from $400K to $1.5M annually.
• Created and managed “Pals In Motion” signature event, raising $350K annually with 1,500+ participants and strong volunteer and sponsor engagement.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation 2001 - 2016

Executive Director, Gift Planning 2014-2016 

• Directed gift planning and alumni relations teams (14 FTEs), while serving as chief development officer for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute.
• Cultivated a major naming gift of $10M, securing philanthropic investment for strategic clinical innovation.
• Maintained a portfolio of 150 HNW donors with a $6M annual goal, integrating legacy planning with institutional impact.

Senior Director, Gift Planning 2008-2014

• Managed all aspects of planned giving, including trusts, estates, and endowments; collaborated with Finance and Legal on gift acceptance, compliance, and donor intent.
• Supervised 12 FTEs and managed departmental operations, performance evaluations, and strategic planning.
• Maintained high-value donor portfolio and consistently achieved annual revenue targets.

Director, Community West Foundation (formerly part of Cleveland Clinic) 2001 - 2008

• Spearheaded the transformation of two hospital foundations into a new 501(c)(3), overseeing all development functions, donor stewardship, and community engagement.
• Developed integrated annual, major, and planned giving programs; initiated employee giving campaigns across multiple sites.
• Created and led major events including the “Straight from the Heart” gala ($800K annually), and the “Legacy Society” with annual stewardship recognition.
• Managed a donor portfolio of 150 prospects with a $3M annual goal.

The Cleveland Foundation 1994 – 2001 

Director, Gift Planning and Donor Relations

• Established the foundation’s first formal development program, introducing gift planning strategies and donor engagement protocols.
• Created and administered over 500 donor-advised funds and led due diligence, reporting, and advisor relations.
• Partnered with 100+ legal and financial professionals to structure trusts, annuities, and charitable vehicles.
• Managed a portfolio of 100 donors with an annual target of $1M, while also overseeing gift planning marketing and budget execution.

Some college, did not complete because of illness