Cathy Lanyard

Cathy Lanyard

Cathy Lanyard was named the 2008 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT by the National Association for Female Executives in recognition of her vision and creativity and passion to help other women succeed in business.  This award partners with Cathy’s being recognized as the 2007 MOST SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IN FUNDRAISING by Fundraising Magazine.  Currently, Ms. Lanyard is the focal point of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government benchmarking study of Strategic Management of Nonprofit Resources.  Cathy credits a lifetime of experience in both the profit and nonprofit worlds for the success she has achieved in running a nonprofit.

As Executive Director of the American Friends of ALYN Hospital (Israel’s premiere comprehensive pediatric and orthopedic rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem), Cathy has launched a broad outreach program to educate and raise awareness of ALYN, diversified the overall fund raising program, developed a website, created interactive programming for young students and collaborates with her Israeli counterparts in running a five day International Charity Bike Ride in Israel that attracts an ever growing group of North Americans to participate. 

She is the creative force behind MITZVAH OF LOVE – an activity based program for kids of all ages to both learn about and generate charity projects; based on the concept of doing something because you can for those who cannot.  “Working every day to raise the funds needed to empower physically disabled children to reach their highest possible levels of mobility, independence and function is truly a labor of love.  It is also the ideal expression of my immense gratitude that God blessed me with two healthy children.”

Cathy has over 30 years experience as a grassroots volunteer and has spent the last 15 years blending those experiences with her unique and diverse skill set.  She is a graduate of Northwestern University and holds dual Masters Degrees in English and Theater.  Cathy belongs to the Association of Professional Fundraisers, Women in Development, the Direct Marketing Club of America, NAFE and serves on the Board of Directors of a grassroots New York organization “Face the Challenge” that provides life changing makeovers for people living with disabilities.  Cathy also mentors young people interested in entering the field of philanthropy and development.

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The American Friends of ALYN Hospital