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Kathleen A. Kavanagh, Senior Executive Vice President and Managing Director, joined Grenzebach Glier and Associates in 1995 and brings to clients more than 34 years as a fundraiser and consultant at a broad range of colleges, universities, independent schools, and cultural organizations.
Kathleen assists clients in preparing for and executing major campaigns that will lead to long-term, sustainable growth in giving programs, with a special emphasis on managing major and annual giving programs and implementing best practices in comprehensive development programs.
Prior to joining GG+A, Kathleen was Vice President for Development at Vassar College, where she led the campaign that set a new record for liberal arts college campaigns in the United States. Kathleen has also led development programs at The Madeira School, The Walters Art Museum, and Dana Hall School.
A published author and speaker, Kathleen's most recent work appears in the March 2009 edition of Philanthropy at Independent Schools. Her chapter, Soliciting the Major Gift, details preparing donors for major gifts, ingredients of a successful personal solicitation, and common barriers to personal solicitation. Kathleen is nationally and internationally recognized for her work with volunteers and staff on the topic “Talking About Giving," a workshop that guides participants through the process of asking for philanthropic support. She has presented this and other workshops throughout the United States and in Canada, England, and Australia, and is a recipient of the CASE Crystal Apple Award for Exceptional Teaching.
As an active member of the development profession, Kathleen has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and recently served on the CASE Campaign Standards Working Group that revised campaign counting standards for educational institutions.
Kathleen is a graduate of Sweet Briar College, where she began her career in fundraising, communications, and alumnae relations.