Leading with Heart: Deirdre DeWeese Honored as AFP’s Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of 2025
For Deirdre DeWeese, Vice President of Philanthropy at Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH), philanthropy has always been about transforming quiet conviction into meaningful impact.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Ohio Chapter has named Deirdre its 2025 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, recognizing her 26-year career of advancing philanthropy, mentoring others, and elevating community generosity across Central Ohio.
Known for her calm leadership and deep sense of purpose, Deirdre has quietly built one of the region’s most successful and respected fundraising programs—one that has empowered thousands of girls to become leaders of courage, confidence, and character.
Transforming Vision into Impact
Deirdre’s leadership at Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland has ushered in a new era of growth and innovation. Under her direction, the council has achieved an average annual fundraising growth rate of 67 percent between 2017 and 2025, with income from events more than doubling.
As a cornerstone of the organization’s Executive Team, she has cultivated a thriving culture of philanthropy where staff, volunteers, and supporters all see themselves as investors in girls’ futures. Her ability to blend strategy with empathy has made her an indispensable part of GSOH’s success story.
Among her most notable achievements is the $16 million Dream Big Transformational Initiative, a campaign that culminated in the creation of a 220-acre STEM immersive campus featuring the new STEM and Leadership Center and Maker Space. The project stands as a symbol of Deirdre’s belief in possibility, potential, and purpose.
Thanks to her planning and persistence, GSOH secured the largest gift in its history—$3 million from Battelle—as well as $2 million from AEP, $1.5 million from Nationwide, and $1 million from CK Construction. More than 130 gifts have been secured for the campaign, totaling $14 million raised to date.
“Deirdre’s leadership, creativity, and tenacity have transformed how we think about what’s possible,” said Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland. “She has advanced our fundraising efforts to new heights and done so in a way that unites people—donors, partners, and staff—around the shared goal of building a better future for girls. Her impact will be felt for generations.”
When GSOH cut the ribbon on the new campus last October, the moment marked the realization of a dream shaped by Deirdre’s vision and steady hand.
Elevating the Profession and Her Peers
Deirdre’s influence reaches far beyond her organization. She is deeply engaged in advancing the fundraising profession itself as a mentor, collaborator, and champion of continued learning.
An active AFP member for eight years, she served as host liaison for the Central Ohio Chapter’s 2024 meeting sessions, bringing AFP events to GSOH headquarters and reintroducing in-person, collaborative gatherings after the pandemic. It was the first time since 2020 that GSOH had opened its doors to an outside organization. She personally advocated for this, believing in the power of shared space and shared learning.
Her colleagues credit her with helping create a culture of professional growth at every level. Deirdre regularly participates in local and national development opportunities and encourages her peers to do the same. She mentors new fundraising professionals, recommends training and certifications, and models what ethical, thoughtful leadership looks like in practice.
Through these efforts, Deirdre continues to raise the bar for excellence, integrity, and innovation within the fundraising community.
Rooted in Service
Deirdre’s philanthropic spirit extends well beyond her professional life. A Grove City resident and mother of three, she dedicates countless hours to community service.
She has volunteered with her children’s school booster club, supported the Grove City Turkey Wattle (which benefits the local Food Pantry), and has personally delivered food to families in need. She also serves as an adult lead mentor with the Purple Door Church, offering guidance and support to members of the community.
Together with her family, Deirdre contributes to a wide range of local causes—including the Boys and Girls Club, Columbus Humane, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective—reflecting a deep commitment to compassion and civic engagement.
While her heart is most closely tied to GSOH, she embodies the belief that giving back is both a responsibility and a privilege.
A Legacy of Leadership
Before joining GSOH, Deirdre honed her expertise at respected Central Ohio nonprofits including the American Cancer Society, Columbus Speech & Hearing Center, Mount Carmel Foundation, and Franklin Park Conservatory. Across these organizations, she has built a reputation for balancing precision with heart and always focusing on authentic relationships and shared impact.
Deirdre has shown that transformational change often begins with quiet conviction. Her leadership has given rise to one of the region’s most innovative youth development initiatives and a legacy that will shape lives for decades to come.
