Kelly Thayer is the Director of Development and has been with Sweetser since 2022. Kelly leads our energetic development team, whose goal is to connect passionate individuals, families, and businesses with opportunities to make a real impact and difference in the lives of Maine people’s mental health. Kelly joins Sweetser with over 15 years of development experience across various sectors, including the arts and social services. Most recently, Kelly helped to build and strengthen the fundraising operation at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Her broad experience has included fundraising work with individual donors, corporations, and foundations, designing and launching successful fundraising events, membership programs, and planned giving societies and leading the charge in using new technology to strengthen donor connection and communication. She earned a B.A. from the University of Maine, Orono, where she studied Studio Art. A proud Maine native, Kelly enjoys daily walks, crafting, and having fun with her two children and husband. Kelly is excited to be a part of the Sweetser family and raise the much-needed support for its mission and vision.