Release from CivicStory

   CivicStory Hires Development & Growth Co-Director, Completing Executive Team

South Orange, NJ — CivicStory is pleased to announce the appointment of Gianna Santelli as its first Development and Growth Co-Director, marking a pivotal step in expanding the organization’s senior leadership team.

A fundraising professional with nearly 15 years of experience, Santelli specializes in building development programs for small nonprofits. In this new role, she will lead CivicStory’s resource development strategy, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and work closely with the Senior Editor and the Board of Trustees to advance the organization’s work in civics and ecology news.

“Gianna’s experience guiding small organizations through major growth transitions made it clear she’s a great fit for CivicStory,” said Maya Curry, a member of the search committee and VP of Communications and Diversity for Newark Regional Business Partnership. 

Santelli received a degree in environmental science from Rutgers University, and has worked with nonprofits in arts, education, healthcare, and workforce development, among other areas. 

“I’m excited to help CivicStory scale up meaningfully and sustainably,” said Santelli. “Development is about relationships, and I look forward to building up funding partnerships to support CivicStory’s reporting fellowships and amplify the restorative work happening across our state.”

Her appointment reflects CivicStory’s continued focus on building a robust professional team and ensuring the organization’s ability to expand its statewide network of support and impact at a time of complex civic and ecological challenges. CivicStory’s two searches for Senior Editor & Co-Director and Development & Growth Co-Director took place in sequence from May through September. 

“We’re aiming for collaborative leadership,” said Susan Haig, founder and Board Vice President.  “Gianna’s operational and fundraising skill and Ayushee Roy’s editorial leadership are an exciting combination that marks a new growth phase for CivicStory.”  

CivicStory is a nonprofit news organization advancing solutions-based coverage of civics, ecology, and sustainability to build inclusive communities. Its NJ Sustainability Reporting Hub, launched in 2019, has supported 45 fellows to date, partnering with newsrooms to co-publish over 230 stories highlighting New Jersey’s path toward environmental sustainability.