Cheryl Lesko is the Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at American Humane, overseeing fundraising and digital marketing. She leads initiatives for major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, and digital marketing, all aimed at driving revenue growth and advancing American Humane’s mission. Cheryl’s extensive experience spans various animal and conservation organizations, where she has excelled in fundraising, marketing partnerships, and non-profit management.
Before joining American Humane, Cheryl served at the National 4-H Council, where she developed the national Agriculture strategy and secured corporate partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. She also led Individual Giving, introducing a comprehensive stewardship strategy to engage donors. Previously, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Wilds, she directed major philanthropic activities, including growing the Jack Hanna Legacy Society and leading major capital campaigns like the 43-acre Heart of Africa region.
Cheryl also served as Executive Director for the North Central Region of Canine Companions for Independence, managing administrative, programmatic, fundraising, and marketing efforts across 14 states. Her leadership cultivated strong teams and exceeded goals to serve individuals with disabilities. Cheryl’s dedication to building strong work cultures and connecting donors with impactful missions defines her career.