ECH is proud to welcome and introduce the new Chief Development Officer (CDO), Sherry Gerke. Ms. Gerke will oversee the organization’s efforts in philanthropy and fund development. This position strategically guides staff and volunteers to secure charitable contributions and planned gifts to support and further advance the mission of ECH Every Child’s Hope.
About Sherry:
Sherry’s long time passion is finding a way to make an impact in the lives of people and especially in the lives of children. Her passion has grown into a mission-driven career helping to make a difference in organizations around St. Louis, particularly in non-profit organizations. Sherry has worked with initiatives that either assisted children or provided necessary social and health services to the community.
Ms. Gerke’s career began over 30 years ago at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, where she managed a variety of programs including early childhood education and child care, along with local health and wellness services for 14 years. While leading at the YMCA, Sherry became involved with annual fundraising events and critical campaigns in addition to program management, membership development and marketing. This leadership opportunity allowed Sherry to discover her love for fundraising and catapulted her into a fresh opportunity where she managed a four million dollar direct-mail program, with The Salvation Army, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Sherry used her experience at The Salvation Army to further serve as the Executive Director of two hospital foundations within SSM Health System in St. Louis and St. Charles counties respectively for 13 years.
Sherry received her Master of Arts in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Missouri State University. She achieved her designation as a Certified Fundraising Executive in 2002 and has been recognized for her leadership and community involvement with a “Beyond the Best in Business Leaders” award in 2011 by Streetscape Magazine.
Join us in welcoming Sherry Gerke as the new CDO at ECH by sending a ‘hello’ to sgerke@echmail.org.