Katie Reynolds

Director, Client Services

Favorite inspirational quote:

"What you are will show in what you do."

—Thomas Edison

Pronouns: she/her

Areas of expertise: Planned and principal giving, major gift strategy, donor cultivation and stewardship, leadership engagement, events

Causes I’m most passionate about: Women’s issues, arts education, children’s health and well-being, conservation, medical research

My fundraising story: My journey with fundraising started when I was the #1 cookie seller for my girl scout troop! Much later, I was studying for the LSAT during my junior year at the College of Charleston while planning a fundraising event for wildlife conservation in South Louisiana due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I found myself pulled toward a career in nonprofit management and not toward the law.

My next step was pursuing my master’s in public administration from Florida State University with a specialization in nonprofit management. While attending graduate school, my first job was quasi-governmental events and communications with the Volunteer Florida, helping to put on state-wide programs such as the Governor’s Points of Light award. My first job out of graduate school was with Warrick Dunn, former NFL running back. These pivotal years were spent learning every aspect of nonprofit management from financial checks and balances to implementing high-ticket galas and celebrity golf tournaments.

From there I worked at nonprofit organizations of all scopes and sizes; Hire Heroes USA, a local Make-A-Wish affiliate, a domestic violence shelter called The Spring of Tampa Bay, Shriner’s Children’s with a national focus on planned giving, and most recently I was a major gifts officer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where I stewarded a $5 million transformational gift before pursuing a career in consulting.

Why I care about helping nonprofits grow: Nonprofit organizations are central to our country’s balance of equity and capitalism. This sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the way serious problems are faced and ultimately solved.

Hobbies: Orchids and gardening, podcasts, party planning, Orange Theory, being a “boy mom,” fishing, birding and home décor projects

Unusual talent: …don’t ask me how many Phish shows I have attended.