Cheryl Lesko

Biography

Cheryl Lesko is Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at American Humane, where she oversees the organization’s marketing and fundraising. Cheryl has dedicated her career to serving the missions of several non-profit organizations. As an accomplished leader in fundraising and non-profit management, she has a broad range of experience developing and executing strategies to drive revenue growth, resulting in mission impact.

In her most recent role at National 4-H Council, Cheryl developed the national strategy for the organization’s Agriculture platform and forged corporate partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to support youth across the country. She also constructed and led the organization’s Individual Giving department, including mass, major and planned giving; and introduced the first stewardship strategy to recognize the commitment of donors. In addition, Cheryl brings considerable expertise in aligning strategies with integrated marketing teams, with a focus on digital marketing, for a comprehensive approach to fundraising across the organization and resulting in national visibility.

In past roles at Canine Companions for Independence and The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cheryl directed and advanced major philanthropic activities across capital projects, board campaigns, planned, corporate, individual and foundation giving. She drove all fundraising communications and community relations, cultivating relationships with staff, board members and high-profile donors.

Cheryl enjoys connecting donors to their passions and helping them see the impact their support has on the mission. She is recognized for building a strong work culture and teams and was the recipient of a peer-nominated culture award.