Norfolk, Virginia – March 12, 2025– The Up Center, one of Virginia’s most longstanding and respected human service organizations, is proud to announce and welcome Abby Peterkin as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO). With over a decade of leadership experience in healthcare and government business innovation, Abby is well-positioned to drive strategic growth and resource development for the organization.
Tina Gill, President and CEO of The Up Center, stated, “Abby’s expertise in optimizing service delivery and her strong background in strategic initiatives make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that her operational insight will help us secure the resources needed to advance our mission.”
Prior to joining The Up Center, Abby held senior executive roles at Anthem, Inc. and Cigna. As Staff Vice President at Anthem and a key executive at Cigna, she led strategic innovation initiatives, directed cross-functional teams, and identified new opportunities to drive transformational change. Her ability to manage complex challenges and capitalize on new opportunities has earned her recognition throughout her career.
“I am deeply honored to join The Up Center and contribute to an organization with such a meaningful and tangible impact on the community,” said Abby Peterkin. “I look forward to working with the team to drive growth and foster sustainable development that expands our reach and deepens our service offerings to those in need.”
Abby holds an MBA from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor’s degree from American University – Kogod School of Business.
In her new role, Abby will oversee the development and implementation of The Up Center’s fundraising strategies and campaigns, securing the necessary resources to expand programs and initiatives. Her impactful vision and innovative approaches will play a crucial role in the organization’s continued success and growth.
About The Up Center:
As a critical human services safety net in Hampton Roads for over a century, The Up Center provides essential prevention-focused services for children and families, ensures affordable access to high-quality mental health care, and delivers vital support services for adults with disabilities. Through high-quality, results-oriented programs, we help more than 10,000 people improve their lives annually, enhancing community resilience.
