Anita Peterson, Chief Development Officer

Anita Peterson is a senior nonprofit development and communications leader with more than 17 years of experience advancing mission‑driven organizations through strategic fundraising, board partnership, and impactful storytelling.

As Chief Development Officer, she played a key role in completing The Montclair Foundation’s multi‑year capital campaign, managing day‑to‑day campaign strategy with consultants and leadership while personally leading many donor solicitations. She also developed and expanded the Foundation’s nonprofit roundtable series, works closely with the Grants Committee to support funding for local nonprofits, and oversees the Van Vleck membership program, stewarding hundreds of members. Anita began her nonprofit career at the Montclair Public Library Foundation after transitioning from advertising media planning and buying for global brands, a background that continues to inform her strategic communications approach. Known for building strong donor and board relationships, she excels at translating vision into strategies that drive lasting community impact. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is currently a member of the Rutherford Irish Association. A former child actor and long‑time SAG/AFTRA member, Anita remains active in her church parish as a reader, is an avid traveler, and is a proud wife and mother of three daughters.