Following some recent transitions and the conclusion of some of our major events, the Advancement team has a few new faces. We would like to introduce you to our newest members: Nora Hudec, Kimberlea Palsa, Samantha Fischer, Natalie Davis, and Emily Pfisterer. Read more to learn about their roles and why we're excited to have them on board.
Nora Hudec returns to Saint Ignatius as Director of Annual Giving and Leadership Gifts. She will oversee the school's annual fund and giving societies in addition to leading our annual Giving Day. Since graduating from Fordham University in 2016, Nora has gained experience in development work through her positions at Western Reserve Academy and Magnificat High School, her alma mater. Nora is the daughter of the late Michael Hudec '79, and the sister of Michael '17, Brendan '15 and Jack '22. She currently resides in Lakewood and will be getting married in February 2022.
Kim Palsa joined the Advancement office in October as the Director of Special Events and Parent Programs. Prior to coming to Saint Ignatius High School, Kim worked for the Cleveland Monsters for 11 years, most recently as Director of Tickets Sales and Operations. In her role, she will oversee all special events including the Christmas Concert, Reunion Weekend, the Scholarship Drive, and Wildcats Roar, among others. She will also work with Laurie Hertelendy to oversee all Loyola Society and Fathers' Club events and operations. Kim resides in Strongsville with her husband Brian and their two sons Aiden and Tucker.
Emily Pfisterer joined our team as the Gift Steward & Database Administrator. She studied music and business at Grove City College with a concentration in flute, and she attended the University of Cincinnati where she earned an MBA and a master's degree in arts administration. Emily has worked at various arts and education organizations in Colorado, New York, Cincinnati and Cleveland, and is excited to be joining the Saint Ignatius High School team.
Natalie Davis is our new Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations. A graduate of Kent State University, Natalie spent the last five years with the Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Cavaliers in a variety of roles in the areas of marketing, communications, community relations, and most recently was Manager of Youth Sports Programming. She will work closely with Nora Hudec and Director of Donor Relations Mary Beth Flynn.
Samantha Fischer is our Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement and Special Events. Samantha previously worked for PNC Bank and has a strong background in event coordinating. She will support Vice President of Institutional Advancement John Morabeto and Kim Palsa. Samantha will be married on June 11, 2022, to Nicholas Dawson '13.
Additionally,
Mindy Hilty has been promoted to Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. Mindy has supported the Advancement Office for the last three and a half years and will now work alongside Garen Distelhorst '96, Director of Alumni Relations & Planned Giving. Garen will still oversee all alumni events, but will now also lead the school's planned giving efforts as well.
"I am grateful for our entire advancement team and their hard work during this time of transition," John Morabeto says. "I am extremely excited to have our team in place, and I know they are proud to represent Saint Ignatius High School."