Cape & Islands United Way to Honor Lee Ann Hesse as 2026 Woman of Impact

Community leader recognized at annual Power of the Purse event for decades of service and philanthropy

HYANNIS, Mass. — Few people have spent more than three decades quietly building stronger communities on Cape Cod than Lee Ann Hesse.

From helping launch a charitable foundation that has awarded more than $1 million to local nonprofits, to mentoring future leaders and serving on the boards of some of the Cape’s most respected organizations, Hesse has dedicated her career to bringing people together and strengthening the community she calls home.

In recognition of those extraordinary contributions, the Cape & Islands United Way and its Women United affinity group have named Hesse the recipient of the 2026 Woman of Impact Award. She will be honored during the annual Power of the Purse gala on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Hyannisport Club.

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Hesse said. “When I think about the remarkable women who have received this award before me, I feel incredibly humbled to be included among them. Throughout my career, I’ve simply tried to use the opportunities I was given to support others, strengthen our community, and help organizations that make Cape Cod such a special place. Any impact I’ve had has only been possible because I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated colleagues, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and friends. I am deeply grateful to the United Way for this honor.”

Hesse recently retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer of Cape & Coast Bank following a distinguished 35-year career in community banking. Throughout her tenure, she led the bank’s human resources, marketing and communications, philanthropy, community engagement, and organizational culture initiatives, while championing partnerships that benefited nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

“I had the honor of working with and learning from Lee Ann Hesse for 10 years, notably watching her unite people and inspire extraordinary results. She has the uncommon gift to see the world from every angle, the courage to take the path that others overlook, and the heart to bring people together in pursuit of something greater than any one person could achieve. That is the true measure of a Woman of Impact. That is Lee Ann Hesse,” said Lisa Oliver, retired CEO and President of Cape & Coast Bank.

Among her most enduring accomplishments was helping establish the Cape & Coast Bank Charitable Foundation. As a founding trustee, Hesse played an instrumental role in creating the Foundation’s governance structure, grantmaking process, communications strategy, and public launch. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 150 nonprofit organizations serving Cape Cod communities.

Her leadership has extended far beyond the banking industry. Over the years, Hesse has served as President of the Barnstable Land Trust, Trustee of the Cape Symphony and the JFK Hyannis Museum, mentor for the WE CAN PathMaker Program, member of the YMCA Cape Cod Human Resources Advisory Committee, Workforce Investment Board member, and Barnstable-West Barnstable School Council member. She currently serves as a Corporator of Cape & Coast Bank and plans to devote even more of her time to nonprofit leadership and community service in retirement.

In 2024, Hesse was recognized with the Massachusetts Bankers Association’s Women & Allies in Banking Achievement Award for her outstanding leadership, professionalism, and commitment to community service.

“Lee Ann has spent her career making our community stronger—not by seeking recognition, but by creating opportunities for others to succeed,” said Mark Skala, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cape & Islands United Way. “Whether she was helping nonprofits secure critical resources, mentoring emerging leaders, or fostering meaningful partnerships, Lee Ann has always led with humility, generosity, and purpose. Her impact can be seen throughout Cape Cod, and we are honored to recognize her with this year’s Woman of Impact Award.”

Presented annually by Women United, the Woman of Impact Award recognizes local women whose leadership and service have made a lasting difference throughout the Cape and Islands in the community, business, cultural, or civic sectors.

Hesse joins an esteemed group of past recipients whose leadership has helped shape the region, including Sharon Hawkins (2025), Maureen Wilkens (2024), Jen Villa, Trish Kennedy, Dorothy Savarese, and inaugural recipient Doreen Bilezikian.

Power of the Purse is the signature fundraising event of Women United, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters for an evening celebrating the power of women making a difference. Proceeds from the event support local initiatives benefiting women, children, and families throughout the Cape and Islands, including early childhood education programs and scholarships for women attending Cape Cod Community College.

Learn more about Power of the Purse online at https://www.capeandislandsuw.org/pop.