Our Work for Educators, Our Work for Students

CHAMPIONS FOR LEARNING NAMES BARBARA EVANS AS NEW CEO

CHAMPIONS FOR LEARNING NAMES BARBARA EVANS AS NEW CEO

“Our Board of Directors is thrilled to bring a leader of Barbara’s caliber to guide Champions For Learning. I am confident that we have found the perfect fit to support our mission,” said William (Bill) J. Lutz, Board Chair. “Barbara brings a wealth of nonprofit success and strategic vision to the organization, which will be critical to our ability to grow and to serve even more Collier County students and educators. I am excited for what the future holds under her leadership.”

Evans has a nearly 20-year career in fundraising. She currently serves as chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. Prior to her position at the food bank, she was the director of development at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and served six years as chief development officer for Grace Place for Children and Families in Naples. Under her leadership, the organization experienced explosive revenue growth, both in annual operating and capital revenue.

“I am honored to be joining the exceptional team at Champions For Learning,” said Barbara Evans. “As a mother of two school aged children, I truly value our mission of creating life-changing learning experiences for every student. Having moved to this country as a toddler, I understand the educational challenges that many of Collier County’s students face by not having a parent at home who can help them with their homework. My teachers were instrumental in ensuring that I received the help I needed. I am thrilled to be part of an organization that values, empowers and supports teachers and principals to ensure the highest impact learning experiences are afforded to every child in Collier County.”

Evans and her husband have two young children, both of whom attend Collier County Public Schools. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and former VP of membership on the board of directors of the Greater Naples Area Planned Giving Council. Evans was selected as the 2017 Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the Collier-Lee chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a graduate of the 2018 Leadership Collier Foundation, earned her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) in 2018 and has a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.

“On behalf of the CEO Search Committee, I’m excited to watch Barbara build upon the success of Champions For Learning and take the organization to the next level,” said Stephanie Lucarelli, Board Member and CEO Search Committee Chair.