ALS United Mid-Atlantic is excited to spotlight our new Chief Development Officer, Gloria Pugliese. Gloria is a lifelong learner who has a passion for mission-driven work. With a background in fundraising, training, and consulting, she brings new perspectives and ideas to ALS United Mid-Atlantic and our mission. Her career has included grant writing, major gifts, campaign, and leadership roles across higher education and human services organizations, equipping her with the experience needed to help grow support, strengthen partnerships, and advance our mission.
Gloria’s path into the nonprofit world was not planned but quickly became a meaningful fit. Prior to transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Gloria began her career as a schoolteacher. She started her fundraising career as a grant writer at The Wistar Institute, where she gained valuable experience in biomedical research and learned how to navigate a wide range of funding sources. From there, Gloria spent many years working in higher education and human services organizations, including serving as a consultant on projects ranging from special events to capital campaigns. “I’m happy to bring that experience to ALS United Mid-Atlantic,” says Gloria.
What initially drew Gloria to nonprofit development was the opportunity to continuously learn. “What intrigued me most about my first job was the opportunity to research and learn about a project, then write a grant for it. I’m a lifelong learner, and fundraising has given me the opportunity to learn about so many issues and experiences.” As someone who values variety and growth, Gloria appreciates that no two days in development work are ever the same.
At ALS United Mid-Atlantic, Gloria is inspired by the organization’s strong sense of community and purpose. She is looking forward to working alongside a dedicated team focused on supporting individuals and families affected by ALS while also advancing critical research. For Gloria, the mission means doing everything possible to secure funding and raise awareness about ALS and its profound impact.
One moment in particular reaffirmed the importance of this work for Gloria. During the Annual Celebration, a patient’s spouse welcomed her not just to the team, but “to the family.” That interaction underscored the closeness of the ALS community and the deep responsibility, and privilege, of fundraising for such a meaningful cause.
Looking to the future, Gloria is especially excited about ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s upcoming 50th anniversary and the opportunity to thoughtfully celebrate and leverage this milestone. She looks forward to traveling throughout the service area to meet community members, hear their stories, and build lasting relationships.
Get to know Gloria:
- Favorite ALS United Mid-Atlantic event (so far!): The Annual Celebration was wonderfully inspiring and a great opportunity to meet people.
- Favorite hobby or activity: I enjoy singing, and I’ve been a member of a concert choir for almost 20 years.
- Favorite book, podcast, or TV show: My favorite thing to watch on TV is Phillies baseball. As I type this, it’s 101 days until Opening Day.
- Favorite place you’ve traveled: Mexico