In our Season 4 finale, Jessi Woomer of the American Red Cross discusses how organizations can best be prepared to harness peer-to-peer fundraising when disaster strikes.

Crisis fundraising operates on a different timeline than traditional campaigns. When disaster hits, organizations have a critical 24-hour window to mobilize resources and activate their networks. But what separates organizations that thrive in crisis from those that scramble?
 
The difference lies in preparation—having systems, messages, and community relationships ready before the emergency unfolds. It’s about building infrastructure that can pivot quickly while maintaining donor trust and emotional resonance throughout evolving circumstances.
 
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Jessi Woomer, Director of Digital Fundraising for the American Red Cross. With ten years of experience leading national digital fundraising strategy, Jessi shares how organizations can prepare for crisis moments and deploy peer-to-peer strategies that turn urgency into sustainable support.
 
Together, we’ll explore:
– Why the first 24 hours of crisis response are make-or-break for fundraising success
– How to build donor targeting strategies that balance local impact with broader community engagement
– Practical systems for transitioning from emergency response to long-term donor stewardship
 
Mentioned Links
 
Stay Connected on LinkedIn

Podcast Guest

Jessi Woomer

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL FUNDRAISING, AMERICAN RED CROSS

Jessi Woomer is the Director of Digital Fundraising for the American Red Cross. She has ten years of experience leading national digital fundraising strategy, development, and execution in peer-to-peer fundraising, social media campaigns, events revenue, and charity streaming.

Podcast Host

Marcie

Marcie Maxwell

Managing Director, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Marcie Maxwell is the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.