Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore COO Honored as Northeast Region’s Outstanding Resource Development Professional

Baltimore, MD (October 29, 2025) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) proudly announces that Chief Operating Officer Jesse Schaefer has been named the Outstanding Resource Development Professional for the Northeast Region by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). 

Tom Bromage, BGCA, Jesse Schaefer, COO BGCMB, Jeff Breslin, CEO BGCMB

This prestigious award honors exceptional fundraising professionals whose dedication, leadership, and integrity foster a Culture of Philanthropy—both within their organizations and in the communities they serve. Regional winners will go on to compete for the National Outstanding Resource Development Professional Award, which will be presented at BGCA’s 2026 National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Schaefer was recognized for her transformative leadership in resource development and strategic growth. During her tenure, BGCMB’s private revenue has grown from $776,000 to over $16 million in just five years. She also spearheaded a $42 million capital campaign to fund the construction of two new flagship Clubhouses—creating safe, inspiring spaces for thousands more youth in Baltimore City and Cambridge, MD. 

“Since her first day in the Movement, Jesse has been a leader, a doer, and a true champion for kids, Clubs, and donors” said Jeff Breslin, President & CEO of BGCMB. “She has used her fundraising expertise to not only connect donors with our mission, but also to help them see the deeper impact of their generosity—filling critical gaps and inspiring even greater investment in our work. Jesse truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding resource development professional within the Movement.”  

“Since joining in 2020, Jesse has worked tirelessly with the board to align on strategic direction, with her peers to execute that vision, and with donors to build meaningful relationships that strengthen our resource base,” shared Chris Handwerk, Board Chair of BGCMB. “Jesse is a respected leader within and beyond our organization—and a true asset to BGCMB and the Boys & Girls Club Movement as a whole.” 

Schaefer began her career with BGCMB as Director of Development & Communications, advancing to Vice President and now Chief Operating Officer. Throughout her journey, she has built and mentored a high-performing team that continues to elevate the organization’s capacity and impact. 

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” said Schaefer. “It reflects the incredible work of our entire team, our donors, and our community partners who believe in our mission—to enable young people to reach their full potential.” 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore: 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore (BGCMB) enables all young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With more than 252,000 children in Maryland lacking access to out-of-school time programs, BGCMB is closing the gap one child, one Club, one community at a time. Through 10 Clubs serving more than 1,500 youth across Baltimore City, Howard County, and the Eastern Shore, BGCMB delivers high-quality programs built on four core pillars: health and wellbeing, academic success, character and leadership, and life and workforce readiness. Together, these pillars prepare young people to thrive today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. www.BGCMetroBaltimore.org