Susan Loiacano

Susan Loiacano has over 20 years’ experience as a fundraiser, strategist, and leader in the non-profit setting. Susan has a proven track record of organizing and managing teams, building relationships with institutional leaders and key stakeholders, securing major and principal gifts, and planning and executing campaigns ranging from $2 million to $800 million.

After serving three years as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Lurie Children’s in Chicago, Susan began her fundraising career at the University of Chicago Medical Center, focusing on major gifts for cancer and other science initiatives. Over ten years she personally secured over $150 million, growing into a fundraising leader and serving as Chief Development Officer, overseeing all of major gifts, annual funds, foundation and alumni programs. She oversaw a team responsible for $40 million in annual revenue and served as a principal architect of UCMC’s $1 billion campaign. Since 2014 Susan has worked as an independent consultant, collaborating with cultural, education, military and relief organizations to assess their fundraising potential and expand their capabilities.

Susan has led numerous fundraising initiatives, including the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center's $100 million campaign, and has extensive experience coaching fundraisers and institutional leaders on major and principal gifts.  She has supported a variety of foundations in building major gift cultures within their organizations and is a trusted sounding board on fundraising, event strategy, volunteer management and campaign planning.

Susan is also a committed volunteer as Past President of the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board, leading the board to launch and complete a successful $4 million campaign two years ahead of schedule. Having worked in organizations of all sizes as a staff person, volunteer and consultant, she offers advice and perspective based on many years driving fundraising teams to achieve.

Susan earned a B.S. in Nursing from Georgetown University.