Deb Desjardins, CFRE
Consultant
Helping Institutions Build Strategy, Momentum, and Results
Deb Desjardins, M.Ed., CFRE, is a seasoned nonprofit leader with 30+ years of consistent, quantifiable success achieving fundraising goals across diverse organizations—from small community nonprofits to large, complex health and education institutions. Since joining Advancement Advisors in 2021, Deb has brought a strategic, results-driven approach to her consulting work, helping clients strengthen fundraising programs and align development goals with organizational priorities.
Deb’s extensive experience spans leadership roles at prestigious institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, Oklahoma State University, and Duke University. She is skilled at mentoring and developing nonprofit leadership strategies, with a deep commitment to equity and justice in her approach to advancing organizational missions.
Areas of Expertise
- Individual Major Gift Strategy
- Campaign Planning & Execution
- Corporate & Foundation Relations
- Fundraising for Higher Education & Health Institutions
- Development Team Leadership & Coaching
Career Highlights
- Joined Advancement Advisors in 2021, bringing three decades of leadership experience to regional clients
- Served as Executive Director of University Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where she personally raised $8 million and led a team that raised over $20 million, with every interdisciplinary academic center increasing fundraising by as much as 400% during her tenure
- Held the role of Associate Vice President and Campaign Director at Robert Morris University, successfully overseeing the quiet phase of a $100 million comprehensive campaign
- Led institutional fundraising as Director of Development at The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, tripling annual fundraising income from $1 million to $3 million over three years while directing all aspects of a $12 million campaign for program and capital support
- Experienced in six major fundraising campaigns ranging from $12 million to $2 billion across prestigious institutions including University of Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State University, and Duke University
Credentials & Community Involvement
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), earned in 2014
Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2011
Let’s Work Together
Deb combines high-level strategy with hands-on leadership to help organizations navigate growth, transitions, and fundraising complexity. Her approach is practical, mission-focused, and deeply informed by experience.
Contact Deb: deb@advancementadvisorsgroup.com