Supporting Families
By Empowering Parents
About
Tami Sender (Board Chair)
Tami Sender serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Building Bright Futures, bringing more than four decades of nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and philanthropic fundraising experience to the organization.
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Throughout her career, Tami has dedicated herself to strengthening communities, supporting mission-driven organizations, and helping nonprofit leaders build sustainable programs that create meaningful impact. Her extensive background in strategic planning, board development, financial stewardship, and community engagement provides valuable leadership as Building Bright Futures continues to expand its support for parents, caregivers, and families.
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As Board Chair, Tami helps guide the organization's strategic vision, governance, and long-term growth while ensuring that Building Bright Futures remains focused on its mission of empowering families through education, support, and community connection.
Tami is passionate about creating stronger communities by investing in people, building meaningful partnerships, and helping organizations maximize their impact. Her leadership and commitment to service continue to play an important role in helping Building Bright Futures create lasting positive change for families and children.
Professional Experience
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Tami Sender is an accomplished nonprofit executive, fundraising strategist, and organizational development leader with a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years.
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She currently serves as President and CEO of Sender Associates, where she works with nonprofit organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, improve board engagement, enhance organizational effectiveness, and develop sustainable fundraising strategies that support long-term mission success.
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Prior to founding Sender Associates, Tami served as President and CEO of the Charlotte Community Foundation, where she managed more than $16 million in endowment assets and helped secure an additional $3 million in philanthropic support while expanding community partnerships and grantmaking impact.
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Earlier in her career, Tami served as Financial Development Director for the People For Channahon Parks Foundation, leading fundraising efforts that generated $1.7 million toward the development of Arroyo Trails Park and helping strengthen community partnerships throughout the region.
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Tami's longest tenure was with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, where she served as President and CEO for more than 28 years. During her leadership, she oversaw five YMCA branches, managed a $10.3 million annual operating budget, directed more than $22 million in organizational assets, maintained consecutive balanced budgets, and successfully led capital campaigns totaling $11.3 million, including the development of the award-winning C.W. Avery Family YMCA.
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Tami earned her Bachelor's Degree from Millikin University, where she was a member of the Women's Basketball Team. Her career has been defined by a commitment to community service, organizational excellence, philanthropy, and helping mission-driven organizations achieve meaningful and lasting impact.