Jill Zimmerman is a results-driven nonprofit executive with more than 35 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic leadership, resource development, and capacity building. Jill is known for executing fundraising initiatives that are tailored to each organization’s goals and engages volunteers, staff and donors to generate transformational support.
Before re-joining Alford Group, Jill served as Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Jill led a multidisciplinary team and developed a comprehensive fundraising program that secured more than $60 million in annual philanthropic support. During her tenure, overall giving increased by 300%. She directed the organization’s COVID-19 emergency fundraising response and completed a transformative $75 million capital campaign. In 2024, Jill and Food Depository’s CEO, Kate Maehr, received an award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Chicago for their collaborative partnership and community impact.
Jill has taught at The University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, serves on the board for the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences and the Student Sponsorship Programme located in South Africa.
Selected Clients
Advocate Charitable & Aurora Health Care Foundations
Alternatives
After School Matters
Greater Chicago Food Depository
YWCA of Chicago
Education & Credentials
B.A. Psychology and Philosophy, University of California at Santa Barbara
M.A. Social Work, The University of Chicago
