Judge joins NFFF leadership to lead national fundraising efforts
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has appointed Anne Marie Judge as its first Chief Advancement Officer, according to a statement published by the organisation.
The U.S.-based foundation said the appointment forms part of efforts to expand fundraising capacity and support for firefighter families across the country.
Judge brings over two decades of experience in campaign development, donor engagement, and advancement operations across education, arts, and international institutions.
Her personal connection to the fire service includes being the spouse of a 32-year Troy, New York Fire Department veteran who responded to the 9/11 attacks.
The NFFF’s Chief Executive Officer, Victor Stagnaro, said Judge’s arrival marked a shift in how the foundation aims to grow and sustain its support model.
Incoming advancement chief brings experience from international institutions
Before joining the NFFF, Judge worked in leadership roles at several U.S. and international organisations.
She has led development campaigns for the American University in Rome and Franklin University Switzerland.
Judge also held fundraising roles at Albany Law School and the Albany Symphony, where she helped achieve long-term growth and operational restructuring.
The NFFF said her past work included record-breaking campaigns and rebuilding advancement infrastructure from the ground up.
The foundation said her role will focus on expanding major gifts, building new donor partnerships, and enhancing strategic campaigns.
Appointment connects personal and professional ties to fire service
Judge’s husband is a 32-year fire service veteran and was among the many responders on 11 September 2001.
In a statement, Judge said: “I’m very excited to join the NFFF as its first Chief Advancement Officer.”
She added: “On September 11, 2001, my husband was among the many firefighters who responded.
“We lost dear friends, and our local community was forever changed.
“I’m ready to bring my professional experience and personal passion to the NFFF to expand philanthropic capacity and help Fire Hero Families throughout the nation.”
The NFFF said this dual experience in fundraising and first responder advocacy reflects the Foundation’s broader mission.
NFFF CEO says appointment marks strategic growth phase
NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro welcomed Judge’s appointment in a published statement.
He said: “I am thrilled to welcome Anne Marie Judge as our first Chief Advancement Officer.
“Anne Marie’s extensive fundraising experience and significant leadership skills combined with her passion for the fire service will help the NFFF’s development team grow to the next level.
“This appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter for the NFFF as we work to expand our fundraising efforts to meet the increasing needs of our mission to honour fallen firefighters and support their families.”
The NFFF said this role will help the organisation build greater capacity as it seeks to meet growing support demands.
Stagnaro previously led the Foundation’s programmes before becoming CEO in 2021.
Judge to lead philanthropic capacity-building across the U.S.
The NFFF said Judge’s role will include strategic oversight of major donor relationships and campaign innovation.
Her remit covers national outreach, engagement planning, and building long-term sustainability for the foundation’s initiatives.
The foundation said the role was created in response to rising demands on services and the need for dedicated advancement strategy.
Her leadership is expected to support wider programming for Fire Hero Families, a term used by the NFFF to describe relatives of fallen firefighters.
The NFFF operates across the United States and receives support from public and private sector partners.
NFFF names Anne Marie Judge as Chief Advancement Officer: Summary
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has appointed Anne Marie Judge as its new Chief Advancement Officer.
The appointment was announced by the NFFF on 22 July 2025.
Judge has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and campaign leadership.
She has held advancement roles at the American University in Rome and Franklin University Switzerland.
Her background includes work with Albany Law School and the Albany Symphony.
Judge is the spouse of a 32-year veteran of the Troy, New York Fire Department.
Her husband was a responder during the 11 September 2001 attacks.
NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro said the appointment begins a new chapter for the foundation.
Judge said she is committed to supporting Fire Hero Families nationwide.
The role will focus on expanding donor engagement and philanthropic partnerships.
Judge’s position is the first of its kind at the NFFF.
Her work will support the foundation’s mission to honour fallen firefighters and aid their families.