Vermont Works for Women has promoted Annie Crawford, of Williston, to its director of operations, managing internal systems of accounting, technology and human resources for the nonprofit organization based in Winooski. Crawford previously served as director of development at VWW for two years, overseeing development and fundraising strategies that generated more than a half-million dollars per year.
Sherry Knudsen, of Waterbury Center, has joined Vermont Works for Women as its new director of development. Knudsen has more than 25 years of nonprofit fundraising experience for community based organizations throughout the state with particular focus on efforts serving women, children, families, and Vermonters living on the margins. Most recently, Knudsen managed a $1.5 million capital campaign for Central Vermont Community Action, Barre, to construct a new facility. Her duties at VWW will focus on development of major gifts and an expansion of private philanthropic giving.
Crawford and Knudsen complete VWW's current management team, tasked with steering the $1.7 million agency to achieve its mission of helping women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue and excel in work that leads to economic independence. Specifically, VWW's three strategic areas include: 1) moving women into employment success; 2) providing access to non-traditional careers; and 3) investing in the next generation - by building leadership capacities in girls. During 2013, Vermont Works for Women's programs served more than 1,ooo women and girls, aged 10-60, from diverse backgrounds across the state.
“Annie and Sherry bring targeted skill-sets that round out our collaborative team,” said Tiffany Bluemle, executive director, Vermont Works for Women, "as we work to try and change the story for Vermont's women and girls by widening and making accessible the work, career and economic opportunities that all women require in order to thrive."
Prior to her tenure at Vermont Works for Women, Crawford served as director of development at the Vermont Land Trust, responsible for raising nearly $1 million in unrestricted annual income. She held various positions at the conservation organization over six years (2004-2011). Crawford is an avid Nordic skier and soccer player, and a graduate of Wellesley College.
Knudsen's prior development experience has included stints at Audubon Vermont, as major gifts officer (2008-2009); Linking Learning to Life, as director of development (2006-2008); and Lund Family Center, as director of development. She volunteers as a commissioner with SerVermont, has served on the Waterbury-Duxbury School Board, and is a graduate of Bates College.
