Real Stories. Real Impact. Real Results.
Testimonials
What People Say
Katherine Ceaser
Executive Director, Art Center Sarasota
Lee Ann helped us take a more strategic and organized approach to fundraising. She worked with us to develop a detailed grants and development plan, complete with a manageable timeline and tools to keep us on track. Her support in structuring sponsorship levels and aligning our strategy with a clear, actionable gift pyramid gave us a framework we can actually use to monitor progress and engage our board in meaningful ways. Lee Ann’s insight and ability to tailor her guidance to our mission made a real difference.
Veronica Thames
Chief Executive Officer, Manatee Community Foundation
Manatee Connects is our professional development series designed to build capacity, spark collaboration, and strengthen nonprofit leadership in our region. Lee Ann has been a valued partner in this effort—sharing her deep expertise in grant writing and fundraising to make complex concepts accessible and actionable. Her sessions have elevated the quality of our programming and helped the nonprofits we serve walk away with tools they can immediately apply. Thanks to Lee Ann’s involvement, Manatee Community Foundation has been able to make a greater impact on the organizations that participate in Manatee Connects.
Marie Liliane Demosthenes
Founder and Chier Executive Officer, Yaqar Harmony
As a new organization, we were navigating a lot of unknowns—especially around grant readiness and how to approach funders. Lee Ann has been an incredible partner in guiding us through each step, from preparing to apply for the Community Development Block Grant in Manatee County to identifying and approaching private foundations. She’s helped us build the systems, language, and confidence we need to grow. It truly feels like we’re working as a team, and she’s setting us up for long-term success.
Dr. Abbey Tyrna
Executive Director, Suncoast Waterkeeper
Sandra I. Faría Dávila
Project Management Office Manager, Para la Naturaleza – Puerto Rico
Working with Lee Ann was one of the most enriching experiences of my career. As mentor and colleague, she led a complex, multi-year NSF-funded project at the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico that united traditional knowledge and science through informal learning. The initiative engaged 2,000+ participants—children, students, elders, researchers, and community leaders—through innovative, transparent, and lasting processes. Under her leadership, we demonstrated how science can drive community-based solutions. When the White House honored her as a “Citizen Science Champion,” it affirmed both her dedication and the transformative impact of this work.
Jacqueline House
MBA CFRE, Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement, Safe Children Coalition
I have had the privilege to work alongside Lee Ann on boards for the Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida and the Association of Professional Fundraisers – Southwest Florida. In both of these roles, her strategic vision and consistent leadership shined through. She has the unique ability to break down complex issues, see opportunities, and establish frameworks to guide projects with clarity and purpose. Her approach is thoughtful, builds consensus, and consistently works towards achievable results. I highly recommend her for any situation where thoughtful leadership, clear structure, and a steady approach is needed to shepherd complex visions from inception to reality.
Linda Enberg
Chair, Capital Campaign Steering Committee, Herrig Center for the Arts
Lee Ann is a clear communicator who takes a complicated concept and presents it in a concise and understandable manner. She works hard to research possible foundations and organizes missions and due dates to develop a strategic approach for grant application. Besides being competent with what she does, she is a delight to work with. The Herrig Center for the Arts appreciates our partnership with Lee Ann; our non-profit is better off because of it.
Karen Zelden
Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Caring Collective
Working with Lee Ann on a professional board and as a colleague, I have a front-row seat to witness her knowledge and professionalism as a non-profit leader, fundraiser, and grant writer. She brings uncompromising values, an optimistic ‘let’s get it done’ approach, and a commitment to learning about and then meeting her clients’ needs. I highly recommend Lee Ann to anyone seeking innovative strategies and a great partner who will not just meet but exceed your expectations!
Yogani Govender
Ph.D., Educator and Environmental Advocate
Jennifer W. Abbott
CAP®, Abbott Advising, LLC
I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Lee Ann on professional boards, and she stands out for her professionalism, insight, and dedication to community service. In her work with the Southwest Florida chapters of Charitable Gift Planners and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she brings thoughtful leadership that strengthens both the organizations and the communities they support.
Joseph Lieberman
Esq., LL.M., VP, Trust Advisor, Private Wealth Management, Regions Bank
Collaborating with Lee Ann on the development of her organization’s legacy society was both productive and rewarding. She approached the project with professionalism, clarity, and energy, while also fostering a true exchange of ideas. Through her work, I was able to contribute pro bono expertise and engage with new audiences she thoughtfully brought together. Lee Ann’s ability to create initiatives that advance organizational goals while building meaningful connections is exceptional.
Cheri DeVries
Executive Director, Mothers Helping Mothers
Working with Lee Ann has been a game-changer for our organization. Her guidance during our database migration was invaluable, and she helped us assess our development staffing needs with clarity and strategy. Lee Ann also provided thoughtful support as we crafted grant requests, always bringing insight and professionalism to the process. Her ability to simplify complex tasks and empower teams is truly remarkable.
Evelyn Almodóvar
Executive Director, UnidosNow
Lee Ann’s support has been instrumental in strengthening our fundraising efforts and board engagement. She brings clarity, strategy, and encouragement to every interaction—whether she’s guiding staff through fundraising planning or leading board training sessions. Her ability to tailor support to our team’s needs while keeping our mission front and center has made a lasting impact. Working with Lee Ann is not only productive, it’s empowering.
Dawn Lansing
Development Officer, Big Waters Land Trust
Working with Lee Ann during her tenure at Big Waters Land Trust (formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast) was both inspiring and energizing. As my supervisor, she brought clarity, creativity, and strategy to every aspect of our fundraising efforts—from annual fund campaigns and grant writing to donor events and long-term development planning. Lee Ann is a visionary leader who gets results and uplifts those around her. She is an unparalleled force in fundraising excellence! I’ve praised her work both privately and publicly, and I’m proud to have been part of her team.
Richard R. Gans
President & Shareholder, Fergeson Skipper Attorneys at Law
It has been a pleasure to serve with Lee Ann Rodriguez on the board of the Southwest Florida Charitable Gift Planners for many years. When I wanted to pursue a personal philanthropic endeavor to support an organization that is a favorite of mine, I knew she was the right person to approach. Lee Ann’s strategic insight has been invaluable—she identified potential funders, crafted a comprehensive development and grants plan, and guided me through each step with clarity and purpose. Her ability to get things done is a thing to behold. Lee Ann brought vision, energy, and results to an endeavor that was very important to me. I’m grateful for her support and can highly recommend her expertise.
Dr. Stephen Miles
D.M.A., Professor Emeritus of Music and 2011–2017 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, New College of Florida
Lee Ann brought transformative leadership to New College of Florida as Director of Research & Programs. She elevated our grants culture by creating smart, sustainable systems and strategies that empowered faculty to pursue funding for research and student initiatives. Her ability to work across departments and personalities—always with professionalism and empathy—made her an invaluable part of our team. Lee Ann’s contributions extended beyond her role, including service on hiring committees and our faculty union negotiation team. She’s a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and a true catalyst for progress.
Dr. Donal O’Shea
Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Statistics, Mount Holyoke College, President, New College of Florida (2012–2021)
I had the pleasure of working with Lee Ann during my presidency at New College of Florida. Her leadership and strategic insight were instrumental in helping us secure and manage two prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grants—the first ever awarded to a Florida public university. Lee Ann brought clarity, creativity, and a deep understanding of institutional needs to every conversation. She not only operates at the strategic level, but has the ability and technical skills to interact directly with program managers and budget officers of foundations and other funding organizations. She writes and speaks exceptionally well. Her ability to translate vision into fundable initiatives was exceptional. She’s a rare talent in the world of nonprofit development and a trusted partner in advancing mission-driven work.
