Eatontown Nonprofit Names New Chief Development Officer

Holiday Express is pleased to welcome Denice Gaffney, RN, as the new chief development officer for the organization that has been bringing holiday joy to vulnerable children and adults for 31 years.

Gaffney, a resident of Manasquan, brings an extensive healthcare background to her new role. Her career began as a nurse specializing in pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and interventional radiology. Upon relocating to Jersey Shore, she transitioned to case management and marketing during a 14-year tenure at Encompass Health (formerly HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of New Jersey), as director of business development.

Gaffney went on to spend 12 years at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus of RWJ Barnabas Health, as vice president of the foundation, where she played a pivotal role in securing the institution’s first million-dollar gift for the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute.

An active community advocate, Gaffney serves on several boards including the Monmouth Ocean Development Council and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. She was honored by Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore with the Woman of Distinction Award in 2021 and was named Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

“Denice is a born leader with an infectious positive personality and ‘can do’ attitude who will be an unbelievable asset to Holiday Express and the 30,000 people we serve in the tri-state area,” said Executive Director Eileen Higgins.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Gaffney said, “I am honored to join the Holiday Express team, founded by restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of an organization with such a storied history of brightening lives, especially during the holidays. I look forward to helping Holiday Express continue its mission of bringing music, joy, and happiness to those facing intellectual, physical, and other challenges.”

In her new role, Gaffney will immediately engage in two major events to support the Holiday Express 2024 season: the upcoming golf outing at Deal Golf and Country Club on June 17, and the highly anticipated Sunset Benefit Clambake on the beach Sept. 8 at McLoone’s Pier Club in Long Branch.

For more information about volunteering, donating, or getting involved with the nonprofit, visit www.HolidayExpress.org.

About Holiday Express
We’re a charitable organization that brightens the holidays for vulnerable populations by bringing live music, entertainment, gifts, meals, hope, and joy to group homes, developmental centers, long-term hospitals, homeless shelters, special needs schools and other organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Founded by restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone, we’ve been delivering the gift of human kindness since 1993. Learn more about our mission at HolidayExpress.org.