Nancy Leghart

Director of Development

United States

About

I advance the goals of not-for-profits through creative strategic planning, fundraising, and relationship-building. With expertise in major gifts, marketing, events, grant writing, and donor communications, I bring both vision and structure to growing sustainable revenue. Highlights from my career include producing large-scale and unique events such as the Mill Neck Family’s Fall Harvest Festival (drawing over 10,000 attendees), Designer Showcases at the historic Mill Neck Manor House, the “Sail the Sound for Deafness” yacht regatta, and “Rhythm and Reds” featuring Sting, Deaf hip-hop artist Sean Forbes, and students who are Deaf. Recognized for increasing and retaining donor revenue, I believe you can never say “thank you” enough to those who support your mission. My approach is collaborative, innovative, and fiscally responsible, with a focus on crafting unique proposals and experiences that resonate with donors. In addition, I bring a lifelong passion for music as a tool for healing and inclusion — from teaching piano and songwriting to being accepted as a songwriter for the Songs of Love Foundation.

Experience

  • Director of Development at Smile Farms
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • St. John's Episcopal Hospital (Full-time · 7 yrs 5 mos)
    • Director of Institutional Giving
      May 2018 - Sep 2025 · 7 yrs 5 mos

    • Executive Director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation
      May 2018 - Sep 2025 · 7 yrs 5 mos

  • Director of External Affairs at Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation
    Jul 2016 - Jan 2018 · 1 yr 7 mos

    public relations, marketing, fundraising, grant writing, special events

  • Director of Advancement at Mill Neck Family of Organizations
    Jul 1993 - Jul 2016 · 23 yrs 1 mo

    public relations, marketing, fundraising, grant writing, events planning