Kathy Sternenberg Named Director of Strategic Partner Development

Kathy Sternenberg Named Director of Strategic Partner Development for Neighborhood Bridges

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, December 15, 2025 – Neighborhood bridges, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports direct local giving in partnership with school districts, today announced the addition of Kathy Sternenberg as director of strategic partner development.

The new role was created to support the organization’s goal of impacting 1 million students in need by 2027. Sternenberg was selected from a qualified pool of candidates for her expertise in sales and marketing, and extensive work with community and non-profit organizations. She is charged with securing corporate sponsorships on national and local levels in support of neighborhood bridges’ growth strategy. 

“Kathy’s experience and proven ability to bring folks to the table is well aligned with our big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) of reaching 1 million students in need,” said Rick Bannister, CEO and founder, neighborhood bridges. “We are proud of the success and growth we have achieved so far, but know we need the help of others to achieve our goal. Kathy’s volunteer and professional experience, added to her enthusiasm and belief in our work, make her an ideal match for our team.”

“The neighborhood bridges model addresses the growing challenges of poverty in school communities—challenges that too often lead to chronic absenteeism and underachievement. These issues affect students, families, and schools, and I believe this organization is an essential lifeline for the communities it serves,” said Sternenberg. “My experiences have equipped me to hit the ground running, and I’m honored to help expand our reach and elevate the impact we can make together.”

Sternenberg is the president of Sternenberg Marketing & Consulting, Inc., in Fairhope, Ala., and has over 32 years of national sales and marketing experience. Her community/non-profit involvement includes years of experience with organizations affiliated with public schools. Sternenberg is a member of the City of Fairhope Public School Commission, was a past member of the Baldwin County Education Advisory Committee, and served as board member of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation. 

 About neighborhood bridges

A 501(c)(3) organization, neighborhood bridges’ mission is to bridge communities with schools in providing basic needs, removing barriers, and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life. The organization has driven direct support and care to more than 620,008+ students and families through over $13 million in giving since its founding in 2017. 

Neighborhood Bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 66 communities in a five state area, including: Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee and Mississippi. 

 

For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.