JB Beeson joins LIFT-New York its inaugural Director of Development. With a mix of experience in non-profits, activism and sales, JB has an abundant fascination and love for caused-based fundraising and is excited to bring that passion to LIFT.
JB’s passion for social change was sparked while in college at the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she was very involved in student movements and led activist efforts for the LGBTQ community. After college, JB moved to Washington, DC and took a position as the Deputy Executive Director of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC), an organization dedicated to working with and for LGBTQ young and youth of color to end discrimination and promote their well-being. As the DED of this small organization, JB managed the organization’s $500k grant from the CDC, designed and lead professional development workshops for social service providers, and took part in political advocacy and fundraising efforts. The light bulb turned on when JB realized that she could combine her talent for sales (something she had always used as a side gig to supplement her nonprofit and activist jobs) and her passion for social change. After moving to New York, she found her way through her last sales position honing her skills in the craft of relationship building to her most recent position as the Director of Development at CFY-New York City. At CFY, JB drove the organization’s strategic fundraising plan, where she focused on philanthropic relationship development and managed CFY-NYC’s Board of Directors. JB’s efforts significantly increased CFY-NYC’s philanthropic support, sparked by new and increased revenue from partnerships with foundations, corporations, and major gifts.
JB lives in Harlem with her partner, Causten, and their two cats. She joins LIFT full-time in June. Please join us in welcoming JB to the LIFT family.