Dan Thorpe

Dan Thorpe is a non-profit veteran with more than 20 years of experience. After completing his BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Elementary Education at Old Dominion University, Dan’s life and career trajectory were forever changed when his mom passed away from cancer. In response, he became a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society, taking on leadership roles in local and regional training and fundraising teams. Following the attainment of his Masters in Science in Educational Leadership, Dan transitioned to a full-time role as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in Virginia Beach.

Dan achieved notable successes and quickly ascended to lead Virginia’s largest fundraising event, the Relay For Life of Virginia Beach. He then assumed a player-coach role, simultaneously raising funds in communities while overseeing other fundraising staff. His journey continued as he took on the role of Regional Development Director in Hampton Roads, VA, and later for the entire state of North Carolina. Dan’s career progressed further, and he was promoted to an Area Executive Director position in Raleigh, where he managed all fundraising efforts and local cancer patient programs.

Subsequently, Dan joined the American Heart Association, serving as a Vice President and Senior Vice President across various territories in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida. Seeking to refine his skills in major gifts, he also worked at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine as the Head of Advancement for the Department of Pediatrics.

Dan’s leadership journey led him to the role of Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in Central and Eastern NC during the onset of the COVID pandemic. In response to a major national restructuring, he was promoted to National Vice President and later National Senior Vice President of Community Fundraising. In these roles, he was responsible for raising over $200M annually, guiding ACS fundraising programs through the uncertainties of the pandemic. Dan was subsequently recruited by HelpMeSee to serve as the Chief of Marketing and Development for the global organization dedicated to eradicating the cataract blindness world health crisis.

Residing in Clermont, FL, with his wife, Erin, and five children, Dan actively participates on several local and national Boards. He has presented at industry conferences, establishing himself as a trusted development leader.