Name: Jeffrey Walsh

Major: Supply chain/information systems with a minor in information systems management

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 – Finance Committee member
THON 2024 – Finance Captain: Alternative Fundraising
THON 2025 – Finance Captain: Fundraising Sales Coordinator

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2026?

THON played a significant role in shaping the first three years of my college career. I will always be grateful to this organization for the people I have met and the memories I have made as a volunteer. I applied to be a director to help continue making THON a place where families can feel supported, and volunteers can feel empowered to make a difference.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Development Director, I oversee a team of 16 Development Captains focused on different areas of the donor experience, including acquisition, retention, and engagement. My other responsibilities range from managing THON’s relationships with corporate and foundation partners to focusing on the retention of our growing donor base year after year.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that differs from years past?

I am working on implementing new ways of data tracking to streamline the process for years to come. A big focus of the development team this past summer was finding different avenues to take our data storage and tracking. I’m hopeful that these new methods are sustainable and will make many of our processes more efficient.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

One aspect of development that is cool is that development volunteers have the room to adapt their position each year and make it their own. Development is a growth-focused committee, meaning creativity and outside-the-box thinking are encouraged to foster this growth.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2026?

The first goal I have for the Development Committee is to uphold the mission of THON, and for each of us to remember why we began volunteering for this organization. Another goal of mine for the Development Committee is to think creatively about how we can expand different initiatives that are relatively new to THON. Overall, I want volunteers to feel empowered to make the most positive impact they can.

Why do you THON?

I THON so families can focus on their child and not have to worry about the financial burden that may come with a diagnosis. I also THON to be part of a community so much larger than myself that can help children find moments of happiness during difficult times.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is from Dancers Stand during THON 2023. This was my first time attending THON, and I was fortunate enough to be on the floor. Being able to feel the energy and passion of the THON community in the BJC was an unforgettable experience.

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

Quetzalcoatlus. They are as big as giraffes and can fly.