The All Star Children’s Foundation announces the appointment of Stephen Fancher as its chief development officer. Fancher will be responsible for overseeing all development and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to healing the effects of trauma suffered by children who have been abused and transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion.

Graci McGillicuddy, All Star’s co-founder and board chair, notes that “Stephen has a rare mastery of education, finance, and the needs of nonprofits. He’s a musician and former teacher, who is devoted to empowering children. He also brings his years of expertise as a financial advisor at a leading firm.”  Although McGillicuddy is thrilled with Fancher’s track record, she’s more impressed with his heartfelt commitment to making the world a better place for children. “He’s a leader who cares, and that’s exactly what All Star needs,” she says. “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen and know he’ll redouble our efforts to raise funds for our state-of-the-art treatment for childhood trauma.”

Stephen Fancher moved to Sarasota in 2012, relocating from the New York area where he was active as a musician and teacher. Passionate about teaching, Fancher was awarded Stamford, Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year in 2012. He decided to transfer his skill set as teacher to the field of finance and joined the Mariash-Lowther Group at Merrill Lynch in Sarasota as a financial advisor from 2012 to 2016. He quickly became involved with area nonprofits, including serving as a development officer for Sarasota Opera, and vice president of development for JFCS. He has served on the boards of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and Sarasota Music Conservatory. He also served as the assistant conductor and accompanist for Key Chorale. Fancher lives in Sarasota with his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Piper and Sofie.