Denise Ashurst has been named Director of Philanthropy + Community Engagement at PAWS Chicago, where she leads major and principal philanthropic efforts to support the organization’s no-kill mission. With more than a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience, Denise brings a deep commitment to relationship-based philanthropy, strategic donor engagement, and impact-driven storytelling.

Before joining PAWS Chicago, Denise served as Director of Individual + Community Giving at IWS Family Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving over 12,000 low-income children and families across Chicago. There, she led the organization’s individual giving strategy, reimagined its planned giving program, and revitalized donor communications. She also guided a strategic board development initiative that resulted in the successful recruitment and onboarding of three new members who brought lived experience, community ties, and professional expertise to the board. Under her leadership, the annual appeal increased by more than 610% in a single year.

Previously, Denise was a Philanthropy Officer at the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she managed a portfolio of 135 major donors. She renewed over $1 million in annual appeal gifts with an average 74% year-over-year increase and raised an additional $1.6 million in major gifts through customized proposals. She also managed $10 million in pledged assets for a capital campaign and stewarded more than 450 planned gift donors.

Denise’s connection to PAWS Chicago’s mission is both professional and deeply personal. A proud PAWS adopter, she lives in Lakeview with her 14-year-old rescue cat, Splash. Her two grown children, both living in Chicago with their own rescue pets, make animal welfare a shared family passion. When she’s not fundraising, Denise enjoys sailing on Lake Michigan, exploring hidden culinary gems, and spending time with loved ones.

Her work is grounded in the belief that creating a more compassionate world for animals also builds stronger, more connected communities for people. With a lifelong love for animals and a passion for donor-centered fundraising, Denise is honored to join the PAWS Chicago team and looks forward to advancing its mission to end pet homelessness and foster a more humane Chicago.