Lutheran SeniorLife Welcomes Joelleen Yerace as Vice President of Development and Fundraising Posted on December 22, 2025December 22, 2025 Veteran fundraising leader succeeds longtime Foundation President Jane Bittcher Lutheran SeniorLife proudly announces the appointment of Joelleen Yerace as its new Vice President of Development and Fundraising, following the retirement of Jane Bittcher, who has led the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation with distinction for the past ten years. Yerace brings nearly 20 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven record of securing significant gifts, building donor partnerships, guiding cross-functional development teams, and advancing strategic philanthropic priorities. Her experience spans healthcare, higher education, and community engagement—making her exceptionally well-suited to strengthen Lutheran SeniorLife’s mission-driven philanthropy. A Record of High-Impact Philanthropy Before joining Lutheran SeniorLife, Yerace served as Executive Director of Development at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), where she helped shape philanthropic strategies supporting patient care, community access, clinical programs, and capital needs. She has consistently driven meaningful philanthropic results, achieving significant year-over-year growth in support of key organizational priorities. Her work includes securing major foundation commitments, strengthening long-term funding partnerships, and contributing to multiple high-impact gift initiatives in collaboration with executive and clinical leaders. She has provided strategic oversight focused on corporate, foundation, and major-gift fundraising. Yerace previously spent more than a decade at the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement, where she oversaw development directors across multiple schools, strengthened annual and major-giving programs, and guided a comprehensive fundraising strategy. She also led stewardship initiatives, donor events, and campaign planning efforts. Her achievements earned recognitions such as the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40 and the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor’s Award for Staff Mentoring. Yerace holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College. A Vision for the Future of Philanthropy at Lutheran SeniorLife In her new role, Yerace will lead all philanthropic strategy across the organization, focusing on donor engagement, mission education, fundraising growth, and strengthening long-term partnerships. “Joelleen is an exceptional leader whose experience, energy, and passion for mission-driven work align beautifully with Lutheran SeniorLife’s values,” said Lutheran SeniorLife CEO & President David Fenoglietto. Her proven ability to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships will strengthen our Foundation and help ensure our organization remains strong for generations to come. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team.” Yerace shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “Lutheran SeniorLife has a powerful mission and an even more powerful community of supporters. I am honored to join this organization and look forward to building partnerships that enhance the lives of older adults and families throughout the region,” said Yerace. Honoring a Decade of Leadership Lutheran SeniorLife extends its heartfelt appreciation to Jane Bittcher, whose decade of service as Foundation President strengthened donor relationships, expanded philanthropic support, and elevated Lutheran SeniorLife’s visibility across western Pennsylvania. About Lutheran SeniorLife Lutheran SeniorLife is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering older adults to live an abundant life through compassionate care, specialized services, and supportive communities across western Pennsylvania.