Walden Family Services proudly announces that Lorraine Fisher, CFRE, has joined the organization as its new Director of Philanthropy. With decades of nonprofit leadership and a proven track record in fundraising, Lorraine brings a wealth of expertise that will further strengthen Walden’s mission to provide foster care, adoption, and transitional housing services for children, youth, and families across Southern California.
A native of Austin, Texas, Lorraine earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Affairs degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Her graduate thesis focused on the politics and policies of transracial adoption, reflecting a career-long dedication to child advocacy. At just 23, she became one of the youngest individuals appointed as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Travis County.
Lorraine’s career spans both public service and nonprofit leadership. After working in policy with the Texas Legislature’s House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and successfully managing a state representative’s reelection campaign, she transitioned into nonprofit development. Since relocating to San Diego in 1999, she has held key fundraising roles with United Way, Voices for Children, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Federation of San Diego. Her expertise includes grant writing, planned giving, event management, major gifts, and volunteer engagement.
Beyond her professional career, Lorraine has remained deeply involved in community service, serving as a longtime CASA volunteer and contributing to boards and committees such as Tecolote Youth Baseball, National Charity League Seaside Chapter, and the Brian Schultz Memorial Golf Classic benefiting UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center.
“Lorraine’s passion for advocacy and her deep experience in fundraising will help Walden strengthen its programs and expand the impact we have on foster youth and families,” said Teresa Stivers, CEO of Walden Family Services. “We are excited to welcome her as our Director of Philanthropy and look forward to the new opportunities her expertise will bring.”
In her role as Director of Philanthropy, Lorraine will focus on cultivating meaningful partnerships, engaging donors, and advancing the organization’s mission of creating safe, loving, and supportive homes for children and youth.
