The Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), the state’s leading philanthropic institution, recently announced that Kathryn A. Nelson has joined the organization as the senior vice president of philanthropy.

Nelson brings nearly 30 years of philanthropic experience in Hawai‘i to her new role at HCF. She will work with HCF leadership and volunteers to help donors support initiatives that are meaningful to them and will have lasting impact for Hawai‘i. She will also contribute to HCF’s overall strategic direction as a member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team. Nelson will direct HCF’s statewide development and donor relations efforts and will be based in the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Honolulu office. She will also oversee HCF offices on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and Kaua‘i.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Kathy held leadership positions as vice president for advancement at Punahou School, vice president of development at University of Hawai‘i Foundation, and vice president and managing director at Grenzebach Glier and Associates, an international philanthropic management consulting firm.

As a community volunteer, Nelson has served on the Hawai‘i and national boards for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).