Naperville executive joins By The Hand Club For Kids

CHICAGO - By The Hand Club For Kids said Naperville resident Rachel Gamarra will join the organization as its chief development officer, effective Jan. 3. Gamarra brings with her a decade of leadership experience in both education and faith-based fundraising roles in the Midwest and across the country.

As chief development officer, Gamarra will lead the organization's fund development team, spearheading an impactful fundraising strategy that spans donor engagement, grants, communication and events. Gamarra will work closely with By The Hand's board of directors and Board Fund Development Team to deepen By The Hand's relationships with individuals, families, churches and corporations that share its commitment to helping Chicago youth have abundant life.

For the past several years, Gamarra has served as the director of stewardship planning for Taylor University, a Christian liberal arts institution, where she pioneered relationships with new donors.

Gamarra holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Great Ideas from the Carthage College and a Master's degree in English literature from the University of Albany.

Earlier in her career, Gamarra held fundraising leadership positions in several educational and nonprofit institutions, including the Albany Symphony in New York.

"It is truly a blessing to welcome Rachel to By The Hand at such a pivotal time for our organization and our communities," said Donnita Travis, executive director for By The Hand, a Christ-centered after-school program.