Give

March 21, 2016

Colleen Kennedy Named New Chief Development Officer

Catholic Theological Union Welcomes New Chief Development Officer

CHICAGO — Colleen Kennedy, the former Director of Advancement at Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), has joined the staff of Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and will oversee all fund development activities for the institution. Kennedy previously served as a board member of the Peacebuilders Initiative, a program of the Bernardin Center at CTU that prepared hundreds of young people for active leadership roles in peacemaking and reconciliation.

In assuming this key leadership position at CTU, Kennedy said, “Through my service on the board of the Peacebuilders Initiative over a decade ago, I had the pleasure of learning more about CTU and its mission. For me, CTU epitomizes ecumenical and intercultural collaboration and celebration. I value my role at CTU, a leading Catholic school of theology and ministry nationally and internationally, as an opportunity to bring together my career and my faith. I am excited to be a part of CTU, preparing leaders in support of the Catholic Church’s greater mission.”

Kennedy brings to the post significant experience in all aspects of planning and executing development programs in addition to a demonstrated commitment to mission. A graduate of Boston College with an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Kennedy has spent her career developing marketing and fundraising strategies in the technology, not for profit and education sectors. Prior to her role at JVC, she was the Director of Advancement at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana. She is a former Jesuit Volunteer and has a longstanding connection with programs and people in Nicaragua through her work with the Agency for International Development and Georgetown University.

CTU’s President, the Rev. Mark R. Francis, C.S.V., said, “CTU is delighted to welcome Colleen Kennedy as Chief Development Officer. In addition to her obvious expertise in the areas of advancement, her skills are enhanced by her strong faith and sense of mission. Colleen is already a persuasive, dedicated, and energetic witness to CTU’s dynamic mission to prepare men and women for ministry in Chicago, the United States, and internationally. I look forward to working with her to strengthen existing relationships and make new friends for the school.”