Lower Cape Outreach Council Announces Gerry Desautels as Director of Development
Lower Cape Outreach Council is pleased to announce that Gerard “Gerry” D. Desautels, CFRE, has joined the nonprofit as Development Director, reporting to CEO Katherine “Katie” Wibby, Esq.
As Development Director, Desautels will direct and manage all development program aspects to advance LCOC’s core mission of providing comprehensive assistance to those in need of immediate support and encouraging long-term self-sufficiency when possible. He will serve as a key strategic, full-time staff person focused on both retaining and expanding philanthropic support to meet the organization’s short-term and long-term vision as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
“We are thrilled to have Gerry join our team. His knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to support the growing demand for services in our community and ensure the continued success of the organization for years to come,” said Wibby.
Desautels was born and raised in Northeastern Connecticut and has lived on Cape Cod since 1999. After graduating from Boston University on a scholarship with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, he worked in sales and marketing positions before returning to B.U. to earn a master’s in education with a concentration on Media and Technology.
“When I moved to Cape Cod, I quickly realized that I could translate all my for-profit experience to serve the greater good in nonprofit endeavors. I never looked back.”
He has assisted in raising millions of dollars for regional nonprofits in the healthcare, environmental, and education sectors. Most recently, he served as Senior Development and Communications Officer with Outer Cape Health Services.
Desautels is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a 2021 nonprofit management certificate graduate of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. A former co-chair of Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod and director of the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands board, he also continues his volunteer service as a director of the Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund (formerly Need Fund)—a longtime LCOC nonprofit partner.
“I am so honored to apply my decades of experience and community knowledge and connections to advance the mission of LCOC at such a critical time for the region and the clients who help to keep the Lower Cape diverse and thriving. LCOC’s 40th Anniversary is truly a milestone to celebrate and build upon into the future with a strong staff, volunteer corps, and board of directors in place,” said Desautels.
More about LCOC
From its humble roots of organizing assistance out of the homes of volunteer founders, the Lower Cape Outreach Council is an essential part of the community, providing comprehensive assistance to nearly 5,000 Lower and Outer Cape residents in need of immediate support while encouraging long-term sufficiency. Incorporated in 1984, LCOC has a holistic approach to client care and works to ensure participating individuals have all their basic needs met. The nonprofit operates nine emergency food pantries—one in each town on the Lower Cape, including two in Orleans a financial assistance program, Katy’s Korner, a free clothing and household resource center, as well as other seasonal programs. All programs are available to any resident of the Lower and Outer Cape who identifies a need. For more information, visit lcoutreach.org.