Meet Rachel Bedenbaugh and Lauren Hobar

April 28, 2016

RachelBRachel Bedenbaugh
Executive Director of Development

Rachel started her career in nonprofits in 1990 and has provided leadership for numerous annual and capital campaigns. Her experience includes administration, major gifts, stewardship, social media campaigns, sponsorship, special events, board development, and volunteer recruitment. She is passionate about building relationships and engaging donors. Rachel previously was the VP of Development for the YWCA of Nashville and prior to that was the Senior Development Officer at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. She maintains an MPA from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor’s from Virginia Tech.

“In a world full of hurting young women in need of God’s hope, I’m honored and humbled to join the team at Mercy Multiplied where God’s grace, mercy and love are magnified.”

Rachel is married to Robert. They have two children, two dogs, and are big fans of hiking in America’s National Parks. She also enjoys being creative in the kitchen, gardening, and serving at her church, where she has been a member since 2000.

LaurenHobarLauren Hobar
Director of Fundraising

Lauren started her journey with Mercy as an intern at the Corporate Headquarters in the summer of 2010. In 2011, she became the Community Relations Manager at the St. Louis Mercy home. She cultivated relationships to grow our MO and IL support base and rebuilt the St. Louis Community Board. In 2014, she became the Director of Development and began connecting with our Midwest donor base, as well as working with our California Community Relations. With a volleyball and coaching background, she enjoys maximizing the strengths of others to reach a common goal. Lauren looks forward to getting to work with all of our Community Relations Managers at each of the homes in her role as Director of Fundraising. She has a BS in Marketing from Greenville College.

“I love my role at Mercy because I believe I have one of the ‘best seats in the house.’ My office has been in the St. Louis home for the past 5 years. I have been able to meet the girls when they arrive their first day and then attend every graduation to see the amazing way God transforms their lives. Then I also get to connect with the incredible donors who make a way for these young women to get the help they need. It is such a privilege to have this vantage point. I am very passionate about connecting donors to the mission of Mercy so that more and more young women can find hope and freedom!”

Lauren recently relocated to Nashville, TN with her husband, Kyle. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking good food, singing, watching Cardinals baseball, and spending quality time with family.