Mollie Shepherdson is a market director within the Field Operations division for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which works to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. She serves on the leadership team dedicated to raising funds throughout the Illinois and Iowa region, providing strategic vision and direction for a team of 13 fundraising professionals and countless volunteers and donors working on behalf of the St. Jude mission. She is also responsible for creating the organization’s strategic plan and annual budget. Under her leadership, the region raises more St. Jude dollars per capita than any other city in the country.
Fundraising has increased substantially since Shepherdson joined the ALSAC/St. Jude team. The programs she directly manages have allowed the central and southern Illinois region to raise more than $11.3 million in the last fiscal year—including $5.7 million from the 2019 St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run. Coupling her organizational skills and passion for the mission, she established regular meetings for lead volunteers from each of the 34 satellite cities, developing educational materials to help them reach their potential.
Shepherdson led the development of a board of directors for St. Jude Runs, as well as a new website and online registration and fundraising program. She also leads St. Jude Rides, St. Jude Drive, the Tribute to the Stars of St. Jude gala dinner, St. Jude Heroes and St. Jude Walk/Run—initiatives which raised an additional $2 million this past year. She received the High Performing Pillar Award from ALSAC/St. Jude in 2014 and often puts in extra time and effort on weekends and evenings, taking several St. Jude families under her wing along the way. She also supports and volunteers at many Peoria and Memphis-based nonprofits, within the Morton community and at her church. PM
