Karen Lewis Alexander

Experience

• 

  University of Chicago

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2009

  Associate Vice President

  Provided senior leadership oversight for the strategic planning, management, and implementation of a fundraising program focused on annual, unrestricted giving to the University’s College and Graduate Divisions. Supervised a staff of twenty professional, front-line fundraisers in the Office of Annual Giving, designing programs for maximizing income to the annual funds through a combination of direct mail, electronic communication, telefund, and personal solicitation methods. In addition, managed a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and all development-related publications. Show less

• 

  Loyola University Medical Center

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2011

  Senior Vice President, Development & External Affairs

  Responsibilities include the planning, management and implementation of the fundraising program and longterm development goals for Loyola University Health System, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and the University's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. In addition to the two schools, fundraising and development for LUHS includes responsibility for the support and growth of two hospital facilities totaling over 800 licensed beds, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, the Ronald McDonald® Children's Hospital of Loyola, the Loyola Burn/Trauma Center, and a Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, as well as a network of 28 specialty and primary care ambulatory centers in Chicago’s western and southwestern suburbs. Also, provide senior leadership and management to Loyola University Health System’s external affairs organization, including corporate marketing, brand management and awareness, public relations, outreach to partner organizations, and the integration of all marketing related to sister ambulatory and inpatient sites. Show less

• 

  Chicago Symphony Orchestra

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2017

  Vice President of Development

  A member of the CSO's senior management team and an officer of the CSO Association, responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and administration of all development activities including individual major gifts, corporate giving and sponsorship, foundation and government relations, planned giving, a direct mail program and a $250 million capital campaign. Working closely with the President and the Board of Trustees, plays an executive role in both the strategic planning and the operational execution of the CSO Association. Serves as staff liaison to the Nominating, Development and Campaign Steering Committees of the Board of Trustees. Show less

• 

  Muscular Dystrophy Association

  Jan 2017 - Aug 2018

  Working in close partnership with the President & CEO, is an integral member of the organization’s executive team, leading and overseeing all philanthropic revenue generation, and pioneering new strategies and tactics for financial growth. Leads a nationwide team of more than 500 development professionals, driving all business development, corporate, foundation and major gift opportunities as well as ensuring strong program and field leadership.As chief architect to design, implement, monitor, and manage the strategic direction of the revenue generating activities of MDA, plays a highly visible and external role as a primary representative of MDA to partners and potential donors. Works collaboratively with members of the board, marketing teams and other external entities to enhance MDA’s brand identity globally. Provides executive leadership in identifying, recruiting, and continuously developing a high-profile, engaged, and high performing board of directors. Serves as a national spokesperson and advocate of MDA and to the neuromuscular disease and disability community. Show less

  • Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer

    Jan 2017 - Aug 2018

  • Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

    Jan 2017 - Sept 2017
• 

  American Bar Association

  Aug 2018 - Jul 2019

  Interim Chief Marketing Officer

  Primary responsibilities entailed designing a comprehensive suite of new programs and benefits to an association with more than 400,000 members and revenues in excess of $50M annually. Accompanying this launch, designed a new brand identity and communications strategy to reach a broader and more diverse audience of prospective members. Provided oversight for articulating the Association's value proposition in compelling new ways to enhance member engagement, improve the member experience, and increasing non-dues revenue from new and existing offerings. Show less

• 

  Chicago Children's Museum

  Aug 2019 - now

  Vice President Of Development