The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) recently announced the appointment of Stacey Cole as chief development officer. Cole will spearhead the fundraising initiatives to support the lifesaving work at the shelter.

Cole comes to the ARL from the Reading Hospital Foundation, where she served as the director of stewardship and special projects. She focused on donor cultivation, community partnerships, and special campaigns, such as reenergizing the annual No Shave November fundraiser.

Prior to Reading Hospital Foundation, Cole was the director of annual giving at Alvernia University, where she created the university's annual giving day campaign, "All In for Alvernia"; oversaw the direct mail program; refreshed the class giving program; and managed the annual athletics giving competition.

She also served as the associate director of the Hill Fund and the 1851 Society at the Hill School, associate director of the senior class and Young Alumni at Lehigh University, and area coordinator at Arcadia University.

Cole received her certification in project management from Alvernia University, her master's degree in education from Alvernia University, and her Bachelor of Science in sociology and criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania.