We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Ireland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

One of the best investments I’ve made in terms of time and effort has been my extensive involvement in volunteerism and board service. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to various roles, including serving on the Canandaigua National Bank Advisory Board, being a Trustee and President of the Brockport Central School District Board of Education, participating as a member of the NYS Commissioner of Education Roundtable, and holding the Vice President position at the Monroe County School Board Association. Additionally, I have contributed to the Genesee County Interagency Council as Treasurer, led the Orleans County Human Services Council as Past President, co-chaired the Eastern Orleans United Way Campaign, supported the Rochester Institute of Technology Women’s Council, and served on the board of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, which empowers at-risk individuals and survivors of human trafficking through vocational training. These roles have not only allowed me to give back to my community but have also significantly enhanced my leadership skills and professional development.

Volunteer work has always been about embodying the principle of “service above self,” and this mindset has profoundly influenced my career. Leading diverse teams and projects in volunteer settings has sharpened my ability to inspire and manage people, an experience invaluable in my professional roles. Engaging directly with community members has provided me with a deeper insight into the social issues we address in the nonprofit sector, informing my strategic decisions to ensure they are community-centric. Overcoming significant challenges with limited resources in volunteer work has built my resilience, a quality I apply to drive organizational success.

Moreover, my board service has enabled me to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and community leaders, essential for successful fundraising and partnership development in my career. It has also given me a broader perspective on organizational governance and strategic planning, critical when devising long-term strategies for the organizations I lead. Among my various roles, serving as the President of the Brockport Central School District Board of Education stands out as one of the most impactful. Leading efforts to improve educational outcomes, streamline operations, and enhance community engagement taught me the value of inclusive leadership and making decisions that benefit the broader community.

The lessons learned from my volunteer and board service have reinforced the importance of empathy, resilience, strategic thinking, and community engagement. Investing time in serving others not only benefits the community but also enriches one’s professional and personal growth, making me a better leader in my career.

Lisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience in administration, fundraising, donor engagement, strategy, and finance, currently overseeing the global operations of the Longevity Science Foundation (LSF) – a grantmaking organization dedicated to making longevity medicine and treatments accessible to all.

Previously, I served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center), advancing the organization’s mission through strategic planning, leadership, and the formation and execution of a fundraising strategy. Before that, I held the position of the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where I spearheaded key initiatives to strengthen donor relationships through improved engagement, recognition, and stewardship programs. Additionally, I was the Executive Director of United Way of Orleans, managing all aspects of the organization and its various programs.

I graduated from St. John Fisher University with a communications and political science degree and after a decade of work in the corporate sector I realized my true calling was philanthropy. My parents’ cancer diagnoses and the compassionate care they received from the Hospice of Orleans influenced my decision to enter the nonprofit sector. Resource accessibility and providing essential care to those in need have always been central to my motivation, which is why the work of the LSF, which centers around raising resources for the historically underfunded field of aging research, strongly resonates with me.

Longevity medicine, an AI-driven, revolutionary branch of healthcare, treats biological aging as a condition that can be managed and even treated. Unfortunately, it is currently accessible only to a privileged few, largely due to inadequate funding models that prevent life-saving technologies and treatments from reaching the public. The LSF is committed to bridging this gap, helping extend healthy human lifespans on a global scale.

In addition to fundraising, I prioritize information accessibility and public education. Raising awareness and broadening the base of support for longevity research is crucial. Few of us understand the economic burden of “unhealthy” aging or realize that focusing on individual diseases like MS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, or cancer will only incrementally extend healthy human lifespans. Instead, it is more effective to address biological aging, unraveling its complex web of interrelated causes.

Being a respected leader in nonprofit and longevity, I have the pleasure of being asked to speak at various conferences and public events, helping the LSF promote a global discourse on biological aging and healthy longevity. Recent engagements include a keynote address at the US Library of Congress, a panel discussion at the Livelong Summit at Palm Beach, Florida, and talks at top-tier institutions such as the University of Oxford and King’s College London.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

First, I’d highlight my extensive experience in philanthropy: with over two decades of nonprofit and organizational leadership, I have cultivated a robust network of partners, colleagues, and donors, setting me apart in the field.

Almost two years ago, I was offered the opportunity to lead the Longevity Science Foundation. In this role, I collaborate with leading voices and scientific minds in the longevity and broader biotech community to fund innovative research and identify pathways for democratizing longevity medicine. My background, combined with the Longevity Science Foundation’s strong brand and reputation, and the support of our governance board and scientific advisors, has put me at the forefront of longevity advocacy and leadership.

Under my leadership, the Longevity Science Foundation is diligently working to raise awareness of the field and build the necessary profile to ensure our message resonates globally with stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and individuals. Our goal is to bring humanity closer to longer, healthier lives, free from debilitating aging diseases.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As the President & CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, I’ve found that a blend of strategic communication, targeted philanthropy, and community engagement has been the most effective strategy for growing our clientele. By consistently sharing our mission and the tangible impact of our work through various media platforms, we’ve managed to connect with a diverse audience. Building and nurturing relationships with key donors and philanthropic organizations has been crucial; aligning their interests with our initiatives, securing funding, and deepening connections through exclusive events and private dinners has made a significant difference. Additionally, fostering a collaborative network of researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups has created a supportive environment for our projects. Taking advantage of all opportunities for speaking engagements on a variety of topics has also significantly expanded our reach. Initiatives like online conferences, educational programs, and strategic partnerships have greatly enhanced our visibility and credibility. This integrated approach has not only grown our clientele but also strengthened our foundation’s impact and reach in the field of longevity science.

Contact Info:

• Website: longevity.foundation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-e-ireland

Image Credits

Natalie Sinisgalli