About Tremayne: Tremayne Edwards serves as the Director of Development at Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA), bringing experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, events, and strategic partnerships to the State Office team.
Tremayne’s path into fundraising began in 2018 in the arts, where his work as a box office manager brought him into close partnership with the development team. From welcoming patrons at galas and following up on pledges to helping connect supporters with membership opportunities, he discovered a passion for stewardship and relationship-based fundraising. That experience shaped a philosophy he has carried throughout his career: the strongest support grows from genuine relationships and from helping people find a meaningful place within a mission they believe in.
He went on to help build fundraising event and back-office infrastructure and co-lead annual luncheons. Most recently, Tremayne led fundraising and strategic partnerships for a national community safety organization, where he supported the organization’s prospect pipeline, donor database infrastructure, and relationships with major donors and corporate partners.
At CISWA, Tremayne is especially excited to connect with the people who make the organization’s work possible. Growing up, he experienced firsthand the difference caring adults at school can make when they ensure a young person feels supported and seen. He brings that experience to his work today,
along with a belief that fundraising is ultimately an invitation for people to join a journey they believe in.
Outside of work: Born and raised in rural Virginia, Tremayne grew up surrounded by a large extended family. Today, he enjoys getting lost in the woods, meeting friends for karaoke, seeing a theatre production, and creating something new in the kitchen. He also proudly claims the title of “best sweet
potato pie baker in America.”
One experience he’ll never forget is meeting Oprah Winfrey and appearing as a guest on her podcast, along with receiving some behind-the-scenes advice that has stayed with him ever since. Tremayne is also the proud human of an almost 14-year-old Jack Russell who is currently enjoying semi-retirement with Tremayne’s mother.