Gina O’Brien

Gina O’Brien has worked in development and non-profit management for twenty years. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Psychology, Gina started her career in radio sales in Pittsburgh, PA and Chicago, IL. In 2007, she decided to follow her heart and use the skills learned through sales work and transfer them into the non-profit world. She started at the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Chicago as a Fundraiser. In this role she consistently achieved annual fundraising goals and led their major events. It was at the Chicago Muscular Dystrophy Association she started her path as an Executive Director. In addition to maintaining the largest fundraising budget, she managed a team of ten and a branch budget of two million dollars.

After starting a family, Gina chose to come back home to Louisville. She was appointed to the position of Executive Director for Brightside in 2013. There she restructured the organization, created new branding and outlined a new strategy for the future of Brightside – the One Bright City Initiative. She developed a viable strategic plan, engaged and activated a robust Board of Directors, managed a team of 6, led all fundraising efforts, implemented Mayor’s initiatives of tree planting, volunteer engagement, public outreach and sustainability.

In 2019, Gina joined the team at Jefferson College as the Director of Advancement and manages their capital campaign, which, to date, raised $10 million. With completion of this campaign she leads the Jefferson Rising efforts and has refocused how the fundraising work aligns with strategic goals and initiatives for the College.

Gina joined Ashley|Rountree and Associates as a consultant in 2022. Her broad range of fundraising experience, development work and community involvement make her relatable to all types of positions and clients.