Development and Operations
Joan Fail Hoffman
Chief Operations Officer
MBA, SHRM-SCP
803-744-4026
jhoffman@scchildren.org
I convert vision to strategy and strategy to operations because it’s not enough just to hope that children will thrive. I must act so that children thrive throughout generations.
Joan brings to the team an ability to strategize, build relationships and put Children’s Trust vision and mission into operational form. She oversees strategy, grant writing and human resources for the organization.
Her previous work leadership roles in her 30-year career of systems building and service to the field include director of grant making and programs at the Central Carolina Community Foundation, executive director of Communities In School of the Midlands, and director of development for The Nurturing Center.
Joan holds a master’s in business administration-management from the University of South Carolina as well as bachelor’s degrees in journalism and theater and speech from USC. She is a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resource Management.
Joan completed the Diversity Leadership Initiative led by The Riley Institute at Furman University and participated in Leadership South Carolina. She has served on multiple boards and committees in the community, and she currently serves on the national board of directors for the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance.
Hilary Bell
Event Coordinator
803-744-4039
hbell@scchildren.org
I believe that thoughtful, well-designed events can inspire connection and create spaces where families, organizations and communities can thrive.
Hilary Bell plans and executes trainings, program meetings and special events for Children’s Trust. She collaborates with staff, board members and partners to create high-quality, meaningful experiences that advance the organization’s mission.
Before joining Children’s Trust, Hilary managed a variety of corporate and community events across the Midlands through her work at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. She also has a background in social work, serving as a case manager supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Music from Charleston Southern University.
Hilary grew up in a military family and moved around a lot before settling in Columbia with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Jennifer Haley
Executive Assistant
803-744-4050
jhaley@scchildren.org
Jennifer Haley serves as the executive assistant for Children’s Trust. She provides administrative and organizational support to assist operations and works with senior leadership and administrative staff to plan, organize, and implement administrative support systems.
She previously served in executive assistant roles for the past 20-plus years supporting the CEO and executive-level members of a global manufacturer and a community-based federal credit union.
Susan Hammersmith
Director of Individual Giving and Major Gifts
803-744-4065
shammersmith@scchildren.org
As director of individual giving and major gifts, Susan builds relationships with donors to help strengthen and grow Children’s Trust’s mission.
She brings diverse fundraising experience, having worked with non-profit organizations for more than 20 years to increase their impact through donor engagement. Throughout her career, Susan has focused on missions that resonate with her, particularly in healthcare, animal welfare and human services. She has been an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for more than 15 years.
Susan has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Olivet. She moved to the Carolinas from Michigan in 2019.
Caitlyn McAnulty
Donor Relations Coordinator
803-744-4025
cmcanulty@scchildren.org
Caitlyn oversees all logistics for the development team related to the organization’s donor stewardship, communications, and special events.
Prior to joining Children’s Trust, Caitlyn worked as an events specialist with a local catering company. She previously worked at the University of South Carolina in various capacities with both the Honors College and the Gamecock Club in fundraising, donor communications, sales and membership services.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in sport and entertainment management from USC.
Ameka Neely
Director of HR and Payroll
SHRM-CP
803-744-4031
aneely@scchildren.org
I find ways to keep our team safe, happy, and healthy as the team finds ways to keep South Carolina kids safe, happy, and healthy.
As a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Ameka leads the development of employee relations, workforce development and continuous quality improvement while also implementing policies and strategies, serving as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, and delivering human resources services. She is responsible for benefits, payroll, employee relations, recruiting/employment and onboarding.
A graduate of Midlands Technical College with associate degrees in business management and marketing, she has spent her career in accounting and office administration.
Isabel Steen
Grants Development Coordinator
LMSW
803-744-4070
isteen@scchildren.org
Isabel identifies funding opportunities and leads cross-departmental grant writing, submission and reporting for federal, state and private funding throughout the full grant life cycle.
Before joining Children’s Trust, she worked in development for the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work. She previously served as director of community investments for United Way of the Midlands.
Isabel holds a master’s in social work with a focus on violence and injury prevention from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Rhodes College.
Isabel is a licensed master social worker and is a graduate of Leadership Columbia. She is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina.