Reliant Foundation announced it has hired Lisa Dutton-Swain as its new Director of Development. A seasoned fundraising and nonprofit professional with more than 20 years of experience, Lisa brings a proven track record of building impactful partnerships, securing critical funding, and leading mission-driven initiatives that strengthen communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.
Most recently, Lisa served as Grants Manager at Robert F. Kennedy Community Alliance, where she integrated two legacy grants programs into a unified portfolio supporting more than 25 programs across eight service areas. During her tenure, she stewarded over 40 funder relationships annually, increased grant revenue more than fivefold, and secured millions in public and private support to sustain and expand essential services.
“Lisa brings extensive development experience, along with and understanding of, and appreciation for, our mission at Reliant Foundation,” said Kelsa Zereski, President of Reliant Foundation. “Her deep familiarity with the Worcester and Metro West communities serves to strengthen her ability to connect with key partners throughout the area. We’re incredibly excited to have Lisa join our team.”
Throughout her career, Lisa has held leadership positions in development, fundraising, and event strategy with organizations including the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, NewVue Communities, and Music Worcester. She is passionate about connecting philanthropic resources to community needs and has extensive experience managing complex government contracts, writing successful proposals, and cultivating strong donor relationships.
“Joining Reliant Foundation is truly a full-circle moment for me,” Lisa shared. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of the Foundation’s work — both as a grantee and as a community partner — and I’m excited to help expand that impact even further.”
Lisa believes deeply in the power of community engagement. In addition to her professional work, she has served as a member of the Reliant Foundation 5K Committee, is a charity runner and fundraiser for numerous causes, and is a board member and volunteer for local organizations. She lives in Shrewsbury and is an avid runner, fitness instructor, animal lover, advocate for health and wellness, and a seasoned anthem singer.
For more information about Reliant Foundation, visit ReliantFoundation.org.
About The Reliant Foundation
Established in 1988, Reliant Foundation is an independent public charity whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the Central and MetroWest regions of Massachusetts. As a 501(c)3 charity, the Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations within its service area for the purpose of supporting programs that battle critical community health issues like substance use disorder, and children’s mental health. Our charity partners work with thousands of individuals in our community to provide life-saving recovery coaching, mental health and behavioral health services, and impactful education and initiatives to reduce the stigma around these issues. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org.
