Flynn Center Announces New Director Of Development Susan Leckey

Susan Leckey, recent Major Gifts Officer with One Heartland, has been hired to fill the Director of Development position at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

Leckey has been with Minnesota-based nonprofit One Heartland, a camp that creates life-changing experiences for youth facing social isolation, intolerance, or serious health challenges, for almost 25 years. One Heartland's camps provide a welcoming, bully-free environment where children, youth and young adults can feel completely accepted for who they are-often for the first time in their lives. She helped guide the organization through every change, and has established and maintained relationships with countless and invaluable partner organizations, including the Minnesota Twins. She spent the past six years working out of her home in Vermont where she serves as One Heartland's Chief "Friendraiser," raising awareness and funds and developing partnerships. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as traveling, camping, and exploring Vermont.

"It is a tremendous honor to become the Director of Development for the Flynn, a Vermont landmark and world-class theater," Leckey said. "I truly appreciate the significant role the Flynn plays in our community and look forward to helping it reach even greater heights."

Leckey began her career as a respiratory therapist, working with children affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this work, she became passionate about providing opportunities for youth with challenges and focused her energy on Camp Heartland. During her time with the organization, Leckey raised nearly 20 million dollars, helped transition One Heartland from a Milwaukee-based to a Minneapolis-based organization, and was part of five major national TV broadcasts including the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001.

Of Leckey's selection, Flynn Executive Director Anna Marie Gewirtz says, "On behalf of the entire staff and Board, I'm thrilled to welcome Susan Leckey to the Flynn community. We are excited to have Susan's tremendous experience in fundraising to help fulfill our mission and continue to bring the arts to people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all walks of life."

Leckey begins work at the Flynn on Monday, February 11.

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