Promotion of Sally Eastman to Senior Director of Development & Community Partnerships

Image caption: Sally Eastman

Sally Eastman has been promoted to Senior Director of Development & Community Partnerships for Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, recognizing her outstanding leadership, deep commitment to the organization's mission, and 13 years of dedicated service to students, volunteers, educators, and community partners throughout Central Illinois.

In her new role, Eastman will serve as a member of the organization's leadership team and provide strategic direction for fundraising, corporate partnerships, community engagement, workforce development initiatives, grants, and special events. She will oversee efforts to strengthen relationships with businesses, philanthropic partners, workforce development organizations, and community leaders while helping advance Junior Achievement's mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed.

"Over the past 13 years, Sally has been instrumental in building meaningful partnerships and creating opportunities that connect students with the business community," said Mary Pille, President of Junior Achievement of Central Illinois. "Her passion for our mission, strong relationships throughout Central Illinois, and proven ability to secure resources that support young people make her exceptionally qualified for this expanded leadership role. We are excited to see her continue to strengthen our impact across the region."

Throughout her tenure with Junior Achievement, Eastman has played a key role in cultivating corporate sponsorships, engaging volunteers, supporting fundraising initiatives, and helping connect students with real-world career experiences. Her leadership has contributed to the organization's growth and its ability to reach more students with programs focused on advancing economic mobility.

As Senior Director of Development & Community Partnerships, Eastman will lead annual development planning, major gift cultivation, corporate sponsorship strategies, foundation relations, workforce development partnerships, and community engagement efforts. She will also continue to provide strategic leadership for CareerSpark and CareerLaunch initiatives, aligning hands-on career exploration, in-demand jobs, and the employers who make up central Illinois.

"We have a great responsibility to show the next generation what is possible," said Sally Eastman. "The employers, educators, volunteers, and leaders who bring that vision to life are truly remarkable people and I am honored for this expanded opportunity to build on all that we have accomplished together."

About Junior Achievement of Central Illinois

Junior Achievement is education for what’s next. As a strategic partner working in collaboration with educators, employers, investors, leaders, and the communities they serve, we are dedicated to helping students achieve academically today and economically tomorrow. As a leader in experiential learning operating with nearly a century of experience, we are driving toward lasting change. This means ensuring a generation of students has the transferable skills and competencies needed to navigate a rapidly changing world. By delivering career-connected learning, we are invested in accelerating economic mobility through education. By helping students become confident, capable, and connected today, we can ensure they have access to opportunity-filled futures tomorrow. Junior Achievement of Central Illinois reaches more than 20,000 students annually across 19 counties throughout central Illinois. To learn more and get involved visit centralillinois.ja.org