Jessica Cassidy
Director, Membership and Annual Giving
Expertise
Development • Direct Marketing Fundraising • Systems/Operations • Digital Engagement
The Cornell Lab relies on private donations for most of its operating funds. We have more than 120,000 donors and members around the world who believe in us and support us financially. I am in charge of the team that works on all of our big direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns, as well as the folks who process our gifts and handle our customer service. We send millions of pieces of mail and emails, process thousands of donations and answer thousands of emails and phone calls every year. We are so fortunate to have this base of support.
I have been working in development for more than 15 years. Prior to that I held various positions in broadcast journalism, audio publishing, and more. I felt a need to find a career that could make a real difference in the world. I spent 12 years raising money for the New York Public Library, but was drawn by the call of the birds in Sapsucker Woods, and relocated to Ithaca, New York, to work with the Lab. It’s an honor to work with an organization with such an important mission.
Education
B.A., Communications, Fordham University
Fun Fact
I’m a dancer/former dancer and I love art and music. I am intrigued by the intersection between nature and art.
