Kelly O’Brien leads Philanthropy at Fred Hutch, where she partners with senior leaders, trustees, faculty, volunteers, and industry executives to redefine what’s possible in the prevention, treatment, and cures for cancer, HIV, and other diseases that affect humanity. Through private gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, planned gifts, special events, and peer-to-peer fundraising, the Philanthropy team engages donors to invest in science. Her role at Fred Hutch builds on more than 30 years of experience leading fundraising programs at Emory University, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She joined Fred Hutch in January 2016 and is delighted to be back in Seattle, creating meaningful connections and relationships through traditional fundraising activities while also seeking creative new ways to build community and raise money for the mission. This past year was filled with the challenges of leading her team from a distance (and from her dining room table), the urgent need for COVID research funds, and the imperative of addressing disparities and injustice. It was also filled with inspiring generosity and a reminder of the vital role philanthropy plays in our communities and organizations.
Sessions
NACCDO:CDO Panel