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Kathy Howrigan
Kathy Howrigan is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in strategic engagement and a proven track record in higher education advancement. She currently serves as the Vice President for Strategic Engagement at the University of Vermont Foundation, where she is responsible for fostering relationships and driving initiatives that align with the foundation’s goals. Kathy’s leadership role involves working closely with alumni, donors, and community stakeholders to enhance the foundation’s outreach and impact on the university as well as its surrounding community.
Prior to her current position, Kathy enjoyed a successful tenure at Marts & Lundy, Inc., where she held multiple roles including Senior Consultant & Principal and Board Member. Her rich experience in this consulting firm enabled her to provide strategic advice and actionable solutions to numerous educational entities, ensuring their fundraising and engagement strategies were both effective and sustainable. Kathy utilized her expertise in analytical solutions to elevate the strategic planning processes for her clients, making her a trusted partner in their fundraising endeavors.
Kathy's journey in educational advancement began at Saint Michael's College, where she served as the Director of the Saint Michael's Fund and Advancement Services. In her role, she was integral in shaping the college’s fundraising efforts and oversaw various initiatives aimed at enhancing alumni engagement. Her commitment to fostering lasting relationships with alumni also saw her excel as the Annual Fund Consultant at Rice University, where she worked to create programs that broadened alumni participation and increased donations. Her methodical approach and analytical skills provided invaluable insights that drove successful outcomes for each institution she worked with, showcasing her capability to adapt her skills to the unique challenges of each environment.
Throughout her career, Kathy has also contributed her knowledge as a consultant to Tufts University, effectively communicating how to refine their advancement strategies to meet the needs of their community. Her ability to manage complex projects and deliver results was first witnessed during her time at Dartmouth College, where she held pivotal roles including Director of Marketing and Analysis for the Dartmouth College Fund and Director of Prospect Management. Kathy’s expertise was instrumental in developing targeted marketing strategies that significantly raised the profile of the college’s fundraising projects and initiatives.
Kathy began her career as the Publications Coordinator with the Camp Fire Council of Greater Arizona, where she developed her skills in communications and marketing. This early role built a solid foundation for her future careers in advancement, as it honed her ability to convey messages and drive engagement through compelling narratives.
