Cooper Coleman Announces Appointment of Vanessa Maldonado as Chief Development Officer at Center for Child Protection

CHICAGO, IL – Cooper Coleman LLC announces the appointment of Vanessa Maldonado as Chief Development Officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP), following the completion of a national executive search led by Founder + CEO Johnny Cooper. Maldonado joins the Austin-based organization as CCP continues to expand its services and engagement across Travis County.

For more than 30 years, the Center for Child Protection has provided a safe, child-friendly place where children impacted by abuse can begin to heal. As the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children, the Center delivers trauma-informed services including forensic interviews, medical care, therapy for life, and crisis counseling at no cost to survivors of child abuse and their families. Working alongside law enforcement, medical, legal, and social-service partners, the Center for Child Protection helps reduce trauma while supporting accountability and justice.

“This search called for someone who understands the gravity of the mission and the responsibility that comes with leading philanthropy in this space,” said Johnny Cooper, Founder + CEO of Cooper Coleman LLC. “Vanessa brings a level of professionalism and presence that is essential for work of this nature. Her background leading complex fundraising initiatives and working closely with boards, volunteers, and community partners makes her particularly well suited for this role. We are honored to partner with the Center for Child Protection on this search and look forward to seeing her leadership in action.”

A native of Austin, Maldonado has more than a decade of experience in strategy and development. Most recently, she served as Executive Director, Central South Texas, for the American Cancer Society, where she led efforts to expand the organization’s presence across Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. Her background includes advancing missions that support children, families, and historically underserved communities, with a focus on translating mission priorities into clear, measurable outcomes. Her leadership is informed by her service in the United States Air Force and a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical fundraising.

“The Center for Child Protection is there for children and families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said Maldonado. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and to work alongside the incredible staff, Board, and community to help secure the support needed so the Center can continue serving families when they need it most.”

As Chief Development Officer, Maldonado will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, overseeing individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, and the Center’s signature fundraising events. She will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and community partners to strengthen donor engagement, expand philanthropic support, and sustain the organization’s mission to end child abuse in Travis County. Maldonado began her role as Chief Development Officer on January 5, 2026.

Cooper Coleman continues its work with the Center for Child Protection, leading the search for the organization's next Chief Financial Officer.

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About the Center for Child Protection

The Center for Child Protection (CCP) is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center serving Austin and Travis County. Founded in 1989, the Center provides trauma-informed, bilingual services for children impacted by abuse, including forensic interviews, medical care, therapy, and prevention education. Through close collaboration with law enforcement, medical, and legal partners, CCP works to reduce trauma, support healing, and help families move forward.

To learn more, visit www.centerforchildprotection.org/

About Cooper Coleman LLC

Cooper Coleman is a retained executive search firm serving mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and social impact sector. The firm partners with arts and cultural institutions, museums, zoos and aquariums, public health, educational and research institutions, associations, and social service organizations nationwide. A member of The Giving Institute and the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, Cooper Coleman is ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media among the Top 250 recruiting firms and the Top 65 nonprofit executive search firms in the United States.

Founded by nonprofit leaders and executive search professionals, Cooper Coleman brings decades of firsthand sector experience to every engagement. The firm approaches executive search as stewardship, representing organizations and their missions with care, rigor, and integrity. Cooper Coleman is often selected by boards and senior leaders when the stakes are unusually high, and leadership decisions carry lasting organizational consequence.

For more information about Cooper Coleman LLC, visit www.coopercoleman.com or connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/coopercoleman.