Grand Rapids Community Foundation announces that Jessica Hermann-Wilmarth, CRFE is the new vice president, development. In this role Jessica will serve on the Community Foundation’s senior leadership team and lead fund development and philanthropic service strategies.

Jessica joins the Community Foundation as a veteran executive with 25 years of fundraising experience in West Michigan. Most recently she served as the assistant vice president for university advancement at Western Michigan University. While there, she played a key role in launching a $1.25 billion comprehensive campaign and, together with her team, raised a record breaking $53.3 million in a single year. Prior, Jessica spent 12 years as the director of development for West Michigan Cancer Center. Additionally, Jessica honed her fundraising experience as a consultant to universities, corporations, and hospitals.

“Jessica has a proven track record of cultivating meaningful relationships with donor partners and advancing mission-driven fundraising initiatives,” said LaSandra Gaddy, president and CEO of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. “Her collaborative and equity-focused leadership style resonates with the Community Foundation’s values and make her a tremendous addition to our team.”

Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta and her Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Jessica currently serves on the board of Can-Do Kalamazoo and previously served on the board of OutFront Kalamazoo.

“Grand Rapids has a rich tradition of generosity and a deep commitment to community,” said Jessica. “I’m honored to join the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and excited to build on that community legacy—connecting people and ideas to create lasting impact through philanthropy.”

Jessica was selected after an extensive search conducted by executive search firm DHR Global.