AbilityFirst Welcomes Lauren Rayner as Chief Development Officer

AbilityFirst, a Pasadena-based organization that helps children and adults with disabilities achieve their personal best, has appointed Lauren Rayner as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO).

The nonprofit, which recently completed its merger with FVO Solutions, provides critical and transformational support services to people with disabilities and their families in Los Angeles County.

“We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Lauren’s caliber to our team,” said Lori Gangemi, AbilityFirst CEO. “As AbilityFirst celebrates its 95th anniversary this year, Lauren’s passion and fundraising expertise will position us for success and lasting philanthropic support.

Rayner has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. She holds an MBA from the University of Utah and has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector. She has helped to advance organizations that serve individuals and families struggling with poverty, health care, disabilities, housing and homelessness.

Most recently, Rayner was chief development officer for the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, headquartered in Irvine, and vice president of development for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino counties.

“AbilityFirst stands for, and alongside, people with developmental disabilities and their families,” Rayner said of her appointment. “We create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. Each person is supported to achieve his or her personal best. It’s an honor to be part of an organization that looks beyond disabilities, focuses on capabilities and expands possibilities.”

Rayner’s appointment follows a thorough recruitment process overseen by AbilityFirst in partnership with Envision Consulting, which also consulted on the merger between AbilityFirst and FVO Solutions.

Currently, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, AbilityFirst provides daily remote programming and alternate location services to keep participants and families engaged and connected.

“We have a variety of online programming that inspires socialization and fun,” the nonprofit said on their website. “Not only are the programs fun for our participants, they help them overcome some of the isolation and feelings of anxiety that can result from the disruption of their daily routines.”

To learn more about AbilityFirst, visit www.abilityfirst.org.