Vice President of Development and Strategic Initiatives
Jay Lockaby is a seasoned nonprofit executive and philanthropic strategist with over three decades of experience leading transformational fundraising efforts for mission-driven organizations. With a career total exceeding $400 million raised from individuals, foundations, and corporations, Jay has consistently delivered growth, sustainability, and increased visibility for the causes he serves. His leadership is grounded in strategic planning, hands-on execution, and a deep commitment to organizational mission and community impact.
Jay most recently served as Vice President for Development and Community Engagement at Visible Men Academy, a K-5 charter school for at-risk boys in Florida, where he led the school to record-breaking fundraising results and completed a $2 million capital campaign one year ahead of schedule. Prior to that, he held key roles including Major Gifts Officer at Florida Studio Theatre and Chief Philanthropy Officer at South County Health, where he established a new foundation and oversaw all philanthropic operations. Earlier, as Senior Executive Counsel with Ghiorsi & Sorrenti, Jay guided major national capital campaigns, some exceeding $250 million in scope, helping clients achieve and surpass ambitious philanthropy goals.
Jay’s longest and most impactful tenure was with Cancer Support Community (CSC), where he served first as the Florida Suncoast Cancer Support Community President and CEO, then was promoted to Senior Vice President for Affiliate Relations and Strategic Growth with CSC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. As SVP, Jay created and led CSC affiliate fundraising efforts across the US and Canada, launched hospital-based service delivery models, overhauled governance and quality assurance protocols, and played a central role in unifying a complex network of service organizations under one high-impact strategy. As President & CEO of CSC Florida Suncoast, he turned a deficit budget into a multi-million-dollar surplus, led a successful $8.3 million capital campaign, and oversaw major geographic and programmatic expansion.
He holds dual master’s degrees in Social Service and Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University. A graduate of Leadership Florida and multiple regional leadership programs, Jay is widely recognized for his innovative thinking, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering dedication to building stronger, more resilient nonprofit organizations.