DENISE SHIELDS

Denise Shields serves as the Associate Director of Special Events for Smile Farms, where she leads the organization’s fundraising event strategy to drive revenue, cultivate donor relationships and expand community partnerships. Her responsibilities include event planning and execution, sponsorship development, stakeholder coordination, communications and operational management.

Background and Experience:

• Denise earned a Master of Public Administration from Long Island University, Post, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communication arts from the New York Institute of Technology.
  
  
• Most recently, she was Assistant Director of Public Relations and Communications at Episcopal Health Services, where she led public relations, media relations and executive communications, and partnered with The St. John’s ICARE Foundation on event execution, donor communications and press outreach.
• Her work in journalism and communications has been recognized with multiple industry and media awards, including recognition from the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the Fair Media Council.
  
  
• Outside of her professional career, Denise is a board member of the Theodore Roosevelt Council, Scouting America, has held numerous leadership roles, and has received multiple honors recognizing her volunteer service, including the Council’s highest distinction, the Silver Beaver Award. She has also held leadership positions within the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Fun Facts:

Outside of work, Denise enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new grandson, traveling with her husband and friends, taking dance classes, and relaxing with her two dogs, Chewie and Webster.