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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jovanna Little, Jovanna Little, M.T. (Ret.), C.F.R.E.

Jovanna Little graduated in 1980 from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.  After working as a clinical laboratory scientist for sixteen years, and becoming registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in the area of Hematology and then as a Specialist in Hematology, Ms. Little obtained a New York State Advanced Health Care Management Certificate, a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration, and a Masters Degree in Management and Policy from Stony Brook University.  Her Master’s in Health Care Administration practicum report was instrumental in changing New York State Department of Health policy regarding half-volume coagulation testing.

In 1996, Ms. Little made a career change into the field of higher education fundraising and was appointed as Director of Alumni Relations for Stony Brook University. In 1997, she was one of fifty participants selected nationwide to attend the Institute for Emerging Women Leaders in Higher Education. In 1999, Ms. Little received the University’s Mentor of the Year Award and she was the nominator for Christopher Reeve’s 2005 Posthumous Honorary Degree. Ms. Little also held the positions of Director of Advancement Services and Director of Donor Relations at the University, reporting to both the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and the University President.

In 2004, Ms. Little accepted the position of Vice President of Development for Hospice Care Network.  That same year, Ms. Little obtained a Not-for-Profit Management Certificate from Long Island University CW Post Campus and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Long Island, and earned her certification for philanthropic fundraising from Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International.

In 2006, Ms. Little accepted the position of Chief Development Officer at Good Shepherd Hospice, where she was responsible for annual giving, planned giving, public relations, government relations, marketing and capital fundraising for one of the leading hospices in New York State.  She was instrumental in obtaining major gifts through the development of creative, collaborative partnerships with other not-for-profit organizations and through the development of cause marketing programs with the for-profit sector. From 2006 through 2009 Ms. Little served as a board member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Long Island Chapter, and was the Chair of the Government Relations Committee. She currently holds professional memberships in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Association of Professional Women and Decision Women in Commerce and the Professions.

Passionate about helping families faced with neurological disorders—after her mother passed away from a neurological disorder in 2008—Jovanna  Little accepted the position of Executive Director of the Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute of Long Island, where she is currently employed. Ms. Little’s responsibilities include administration, fundraising, programming and strategic growth of the Institute.

Jovanna Little lives in Smithtown with her husband Douglas and their beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Georgie Girl.