Nonprofit hires first-ever Chief Advancement Officer

PeopleNonprofit

Dec 12

Paws With A Cause (PAWS) has welcomed Ashley Diersch, CFRE, to the leadership team as the first-ever Chief Advancement Officer in the organization's 45-year history. PAWS is a national nonprofit that serves people with disabilities through custom-trained assistance dogs.

Diersch will have a pivotal role in advancing PAWS' mission, focusing on doubling the number of Assistance Dogs placed by 2030—a key goal of the Embrace the Journey Capital Campaign launched earlier this year. She will also lead the advancement team in raising the remaining $400,000 needed for the facility renovations. In addition, she will lead the fundraising efforts to support daily operations.

"Ashley brings a wealth of industry knowledge and development experience to this role as well as passion for our mission," said Michele Suchovsky, Chief Executive Officer, Paws With A Cause. "With her enthusiasm and leadership skills, I am confident she will have a huge impact on the future success of PAWS. I'm looking forward to seeing how our organization will grow with her leading our advancement team."

Diersch brings over 20 years of nonprofit advancement and development experience to her new role as CAO. Prior to joining PAWS, Diersch held nonprofit development roles at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, Kids' Food Basket, and Special Olympics Michigan. She also serves as the Board Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) West Michigan and as a board member for No Surrender Running Club.

"I am so excited to join the team at Paws With A Cause. The mission of PAWS in connecting individuals with assistance dogs is an incredible opportunity for me to connect my passions, community, and dogs," said Diersch. "I love creating opportunities for people to connect to missions that truly make a difference and have lasting impact. I can't wait to dive right in, work with this amazing team, supporters, and volunteers, and to help continue the impact of this remarkable organization."

More information about PAWS leadership can be found at: pawswithacause.org/who-we-are/board-staff