Our Founder

A Rhode Island native and graduate of Providence College, Marilyn Blanchette has been living in Central Florida since 1990, enjoying a career in non-profit management for 30 years. Her specialization is in strategic planning, leadership development, communications, and fundraising. Continue reading to learn more about L'Etoile Development.

Before launching her consulting practice, Marilyn spent 13 years serving in various capacities for the Diocese of Orlando, FL. There, Marilyn was appointed president of the newly formed Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Prior to this position, Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski, then, the Bishop of Orlando FL, appointed Marilyn to design, lead, and implement the Starting Afresh From Christ Synod - a first-of-its-kind, 18-month strategic planning effort, engaging over 1,000 clergy and lay leaders, to help the Catholic diocese forge a new vision and create a plan of action to renew its mission.

Immediately following the synod, Marilyn orchestrated the launch of the Diocese of Orlando’s first multi-year capital campaign, Alive in Christ - with a goal of $150 million, while continuing the successful execution of an $11.5 million annual appeal.

In January 2011, Marilyn launched L’Etoile Development Services, LLC, whose firm specializes in strategic planning, major gift fundraising, and leadership development. L’Etoile works extensively with large and complex institutions, including (arch)dioceses, universities, and religious orders, to plan for their future.

Some of L’Etoile’s clients include:

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Our Partners

To provide the right-fit talent and highest quality service, L’Etoile Development Services collaborates with select partners to meet each client’s specific needs. The individuals and firms with whom L’Etoile affiliates are professionals with high ideals, competence, and integrity – who, through decades of experience, have honed their unique skills and have individually achieved acknowledged leadership in strengthening philanthropy throughout the nation. Our partners include:

Kathy Cain Zehno Cross Media
Communications

New Orleans, LA) counsels clients on breaking down silos and spending more time planning — two of the most common mistakes she sees educational and faith-based institutions make in communications, marketing, and fundraising.

Carlos de Quesada Veracruz Advisory

(Sarasota, FL) is a bi-lingual professional, serving non-profits by providing financial and business practice consulting that includes budgeting, financial projection/modeling, cash flow scenario analyses, asset-mapping/capital planning, and the integration of revenue-generating and expense activities.

Mark R. Dollhopf Dollhopf Associates

(New Haven, CT) counsels universities, faith-based institutions, and other non-profits in strategic planning, board and leadership development, volunteer engagement, alumni relations, capital campaigns, major gift giving, and marketing.

Tom Sonni Greater Mission, LLC

(Hershey, PA) designs stewardship models and manages capital campaigns, strategic planning, constituent research, annual appeals, major gifts, and legacy giving.

Sid Strickland Strickland Associates

(Winter Park, FL) with over forty years of experience in leadership, business growth and development, coaching, mentoring, and training, Sid helps CEOs and boards to hire the right people and optimize their talent.

What’s in a Name?
- From the President…The fleur di lis was always a favorite symbol of my father - Raymond C. Letoile, whom this firm is named in honor of. Since his death, this beautiful symbol has become a gentle reminder to celebrate the many gifts that made my dad beautiful to those who loved him. L’Etoile Development Services is honored too, to take as its own, this “flower of the lily”, that in Catholic tradition also represents the mystery of the Trinity. L’Etoile Development will always strive to remain worthy of those we serve.