NEC's New Head Fundraiser

New England Conservatory announces today that Kathleen M. Kelly has been appointed Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Kelly’s extensive career in the philanthropic sector includes over 20 years of designing and implementing fundraising strategies, managing large institutional events, leading campaign planning, and building strong relationships with board leadership and prospective donors. She has worked successfully with many different communities to strengthen and advance institutions such as: WGBH, Concord Academy, Milton Academy, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Northeastern University, and Providence College.

Ken Burnes, Chair, Board of Trustees for New England Conservatory, discussed the new appointment:

“We are very fortunate to have Kathleen joining NEC at such a pivotal time in the Conservatory’s history. She brings a wealth of strategic planning experience and the ability to foster key relationships among organizational constituencies very successfully. Kathleen will apply these proven strengths to her successful campaign fundraising efforts and community engagement outreach at NEC. Overall, she will be a tremendous asset to the Conservatory."

With the Conservatory poised to begin its 150th anniversary in February 2017, Kelly feels NEC is at an exciting juncture; one that leads to the inclusion of innovative engagement, fundraising, and growth methodologies. She said:

“I am pleased to be joining a world-class organization that is expanding its network in the local, national, and international arenas. Through Jordan Hall and also its local partners, New England Conservatory provides such a rich tapestry of culture to the greater Boston community and the world. I am truly looking forward to expanding and deepening this reach.”

Kelly’s perspective on fundraising is that any advancement growth strategy needs to extend beyond traditional forms of giving:

“So much of giving is measured, but engagement is often not. However, fundraising and giving are really becoming more and more about how an institution connects to its constituents. At previous organizations, I have successfully implemented models that measure and facilitate this type of approach. Looking forward, I know NEC’s incredibly strong board leadership and executive team will be an equation for success where projects of this nature are concerned.”