Skip to content

Lifeworks For Autism Appoints Joanie O'Bryan to Lead Fundraising Initiatives



LifeWorks for Autism has named Joanie O’Bryan to the newly created role of Development Officer. O’Bryan will play a pivotal role in cultivating partnerships with businesses and individuals to secure financial support for LifeWorks and the Bridge to Independence Scholarship Fund.

LifeWorks is a supportive learning community for autistic young adults as they transition to independent living and employment.

As the Development Officer, O’Bryan is entrusted with driving growth, impact and philanthropic
donations. This position is responsible for leading various fundraising efforts, ensuring the continued success and support of LifeWorks’ mission to help young adults on the autism spectrum transition to employment and independent living.

“We are thrilled to have Joanie join our team,” said Hendrix Brakefield, LifeWorks program director. “She brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our development initiatives, which will undoubtedly benefit our organization and the community we serve.”

O’Bryan brings 15 years of experience in philanthropic leadership, including directing annual giving and capital campaigns, securing major gifts and corporate sponsorships, and event planning, in addition to strong donor relationship building, and project management. Most recently she served as CEO of The Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky.

O’Bryan, a Bowling Green resident, has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

For more information: https://lifeworksforautism.org/.

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 12 24- 1 25

    Read More
  • Editor's Letter

    As this year ends, I enjoy taking the time to reflect on the past year. This year, I took a closer look at the impact we’ve made, and I am thrilled to share that we covered over 240 events across our community. WOW! One question I’m often asked is, “What sets VIP Magazine apart?” My answer is simple: we are locals, just like you, committed to celebrating and supporting the great work happening in our community.  Read More
  • Visit BGKY Receives High Honors at Statewide Tourism Conference

    Visitors Bureau (Visit BGKY) proved the bureau is not just green, but bronze, silver and gold. Visit BGKY earned one gold, eight silver and 10 bronze awards for projects related to tourism from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, which represents 900 members across the commonwealth. Read More
  • WKU Sisterhood Awards 2024 Grants with $65,960 to Support University Community

    The WKU Sisterhood gathered for its annual fall meeting on November 8th, and the organization celebrated 15 years of service to the WKU community. In total, the group awarded $65,960 in grants to fund four University initiatives for 2024. The WKU Sisterhood members voted to allocate two Impact Grants of $20,000 or more, as well as two Small But Mighty Grants for $10,000 or less. Read More