Easterseals leader joining Trine in annual giving role

A longtime community nonprofit leader with Easterseals Northeast Indiana will join Trine University’s Office of University Advancement as the university’s new director of annual giving.

Crystal Church-Stavitzke has been a valued team member at Easterseals Northeast Indiana (previously known as Easterseals RISE) since 2011, most recently as executive director of donor relations and special initiatives.

She will begin in her new role at Trine on March 10.

“Crystal’s skill set, connections and passion for nonprofit work are the perfect fit for this position,” said Gretchen Miller, senior vice president and chief of staff at Trine. “We have been so blessed to have such a remarkable partnership with Easterseals and RISE over many years, and look forward to continuing to work together to serve our community.”

“Trine was a wonderful partner in many initiatives with RISE and Easterseals, and I’m excited to become part of the university and its mission to impact students and the surrounding community,” Church-Stavitzke said. “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Easterseals and am proud to continue in another role for an organization that serves so many people and organizations, including Easterseals.”

“We’re grateful for the excellent work Crystal has done at Easterseals,” said Donna Elbrecht, CEO of Easterseals Northeast Indiana. “While we’re sorry to see her go, we are happy for her to move on to this new role at Trine University, which continues to be a valuable partner in our ongoing programming.”

Strategic leadership for annual giving

As director of annual giving, Church-Stavitzke will provide strategic leadership for the development, execution and evaluation of Trine University’s comprehensive, year-round annual giving program.

She will be responsible for designing and implementing a multi-channel annual giving program, integrating direct mail, email, social media, website content, crowdfunding, phone outreach and personal appeals. In addition, she will visit individual donors.

She also will lead and coordinate special fundraising campaigns, including giving days and other targeted initiatives.

She will oversee and provide guidance to the university’s Parents Association and its board, and assist in the planning and execution of key university events such as Homecoming, the Touchstone Dinner, Scholarship Gala and Alumni and Friends Golf Outing.

25 years of nonprofit experience

In her 14 years with Easterseals, Church-Stavitzke had key roles in areas such as grant writing, strategic planning, budget planning, fundraising, HIPPA compliance, Medicaid billing, event planning and major donations.

Prior to her work at Easterseals, Church-Stavitzke served for 11 years as director of programs at Community Living in Angola.

In that role, she trained and supervised staff consisting of two professionals who worked with people with intellectual disabilities, eight managers and about 80 direct care staff. The team served 57 residents.

Church-Stavitzke holds an associate degree in human service management from the University of Phoenix and a certificate in fund raising management (CFRM) from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Ongoing partnership

Trine has partnered with Easterseals Northeast Indiana as that organization has become a national leader with its esports program.

Besides the interest youth have in gaming, the esports environment offers equity, inclusiveness and opportunities for disabled gamers, and is a powerful conduit to foster education and inclusivity. Trine University, which has offered esports since 2017, was a natural partner as Easterseals developed its program.

The university is also launching a pre-manufacturing program that will equip those served by Easterseals with the knowledge and skills for entry-level roles in manufacturing environments.

The new program, which also will be open to area residents, will provide training in industrial safety, shop math and measurements. Those who complete the program will be eligible to earn SACA certification if they choose to take the exam. 

Easterseals Northeast Indiana serves individuals throughout the region with a wide range of disability programs and services based in Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Angola. The organization is focused on leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities, families and communities. Easterseals Northeast Indiana delivers programs and services that enrich education, enhance health, expand employment and elevate the community.

Learn more at eastersealsnei.org.