YWCA Names New Chief Advancement Officer

Elise Chesson

Blogger's Note: The following was submitted by YWCA Tri-County Area.

Elise Chesson has joined YWCA Tri-County Area as its Chief Advancement Officer.

Chesson obtained degrees in Cultural Anthropology, International Relations and Peace & Conflict Studies with a certificate in nonprofit management. Most recently she served as the Executive Director of a local chapter of a leading national nonprofit addressing family and youth homelessness. 

She is skilled in building collaborative partnerships, critical decision making and cross-cultural communication with a proven record of successful relationship building, project management, strategic planning, development and advocacy.

"Championing for social and racial justice is not always popular but always needed. For those who take on the challenge it is rewarding,” Chesson said. “YWCA's mission is something I have been passionate about my whole life. I finally feel like I am in the right place at the right time, where the quest for equity is celebrated. I am truly excited to see all we can do and look forward to working with the community to create meaningful change.”

The marketing and development departments support YWCA's goal of making positive change in the community and advancing its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Chesson leads a team comprised of:

• Jennifer Rojas, Development Director, joined YW3CA in January 2021. She oversees the implementation of corporate and individual fundraising, marketing, and communications strategies.
• Jean Kowalski, Manager of Institutional Giving, joined YW3CA in 2017. An experienced fundraiser and former journalist, she oversees foundation and government grant projects, and contributes to other fundraising, marketing, and media relations initiatives.
• Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Sitkowski, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, joined YWCA in February 2021. She oversees YW3CA’s marketing efforts, media relations and outreach, and supports special projects and events.

YWCA Tri-County Area serves more than 1,500 women, girls, and families annually through early childhood education, youth empowerment programming, adult education, workforce development, and a Foster Grandparents Program. Mission-based advocacy efforts raise awareness, offer issue education, and build social capital around wome/s empowerment,

racial and social justice, and safe and healthy communities.