Lab Members

Deirdre Hake

Deirdre Hake

Director of Operations and Strategy

Deirdre is a dynamic, hard-working, and resourceful community leader known for embracing challenges, generating resources and building teams to achieve powerful results.

As Director of Strategy and Business Development, Deirdre leads operations, strategy, and business development for the Gene Editing Institute. Additionally, Deirdre oversees Gene Editing 360TM - GEI’s educational program which aims to provide a suite of highly flexible, hands-on educational tools designed to launch high school and college students on a journey of learning and discovery about the fundamentals of CRISPR gene editing technology.

Joining ChristianaCare in 2020, Deirdre was promoted to Director of Development in 2021. As a leading member of ChristianaCare’s Development team, Deirdre oversaw engagement and impact of key stakeholder groups including the ChristianaCare Council of Advisors and Leadership Councils. As well as collaborating with internal and external partners to develop philanthropic strategy and messaging to deepen existing investor relationships and broaden ChristianaCare’s reach and appeal to new partners.

Deirdre’s career spans more than ten years forging strategic relationships to sustain operations and impact for local and national organizations. An experienced leader with proven fundraising experience, sound financial management, program innovation and scale, Deirdre is passionate about supporting vibrant and thriving communities.

Deirdre holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. from Villanova University. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Charter School of Wilmington as well as Great Dames, Inc.

Deirdre currently resides in Philadelphia, PA with her husband Kevin. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, and traveling.