Today, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) announced that Heather Lancaster will join the team as Chief Development Officer, leading the organization’s fundraising efforts to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served since the terrorist attacks of September 2001.
“Our goals for the Memorial are mighty in fundraising and recognition for all of those impacted by this ongoing conflict,” said GWOTMF President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodríguez. “After extensive vetting and review of potential candidates we are confident that Heather’s experience coupled with her understanding of our sustainers will further our efforts. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team and look forward to making history.”
Lancaster is a seasoned development professional with two decades of experience in major gift fundraising and development strategy. In 2012, she served at the U.S. Naval Institute joining as Director of Development and advancing to Executive Vice President in 2018. During this time, her cornerstone project was the construction of the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center; a transformational capital project located on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. Under Lancaster’s leadership, the Institute’s annual fundraising more than quintupled and supported the creation of an eight-figure reserve fund to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Additionally, she held key fundraising roles at the Naval Academy Foundation, as rising gift officer and class giving program coordinator. She created the Foundation’s young alumni giving initiative and a “first gift” program for graduating midshipmen.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heather is actively engaged in community service. She serves on the Board of the Jess Carson Foundation, an Annapolis-based family foundation supporting terminally and critically ill children and their families. She is also proud to have served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Margaret’s Day School.
Heather is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where she majored in Economics and Studio Art while playing Division I lacrosse. She currently resides in Annapolis with her husband and two daughters.
“The Foundation’s work is historical in meaning and value and beautifully aligns with my passion and work experience,” said Heather Lancaster. “I am honored to join an outstanding team that is working toward such a tremendous goal and look forward to bringing this Memorial to life.”
The Foundation is the nonprofit organization designated by Congress to lead the effort to plan, fund, and build a GWOT Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Their sole mission is to construct an inclusive place of honor for both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who served and sacrificed as part of global counterterrorism operations.