Harford Community Action Agency has appointed Jean Brannan its first director of philanthropy.
As director of philanthropy, Brannan serves as the principal fundraising officer, overseeing, planning and implementing a comprehensive development program to secure financial resources from individuals, foundations and corporations.
Prior to joining Harford Community Action Agency, Brannan served as development director for Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, where she established the development program and led the nonprofit’s first capital campaign. She has also served in development positions at The Highlands School, Preservation Pennsylvania and York County Heritage Trust.
Active in the community, Brannan is founder and co-chair of Advancing Ourselves Development Roundtable; 2016 and 2017 co-chair of the Harford County Celebration of Philanthropy; and served as a presenter at the Harford County Grants Academy from 2013-15.
She has received numerous awards and honors including the Joel Sater Award for Creative Achievement in American Studies form Penn State; Distinguished Strategic Management Award and Harold C. Howard Servant-Leader Award from Eastern University; and Elias Award from Penn State York.
Brannan has been published in “Journal of York County Heritage” and “Susquehanna Heritage: A Journal of the Historical Society of Dauphin County.” She has also made presentations to various groups including the Mid-Atlantic American Studies Association, York Civil War Roundtable, Harris Town Chapter, ABWA, and Society of Architectural Historians.
Brannan holds a master’s in nonprofit management from Eastern University, a master’s in American studies from Penn State Harrisburg and a bachelor’s in integrative arts from Penn State University Park. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“We are so fortunate to have Jean Brannan join our team,” said Pamela Craig, executive director of Harford Community Action Agency. “Jean’s experience and community connections will help us as we grow our development program and identify long-range strategic priorities.”
Harford Community Action Agency provides programs and services to address the needs of low-income individuals, families and communities in Harford County. For more information about the Harford Community Action Agency, visit harfordcaa.org.
