Kathryn Griffo was named vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.
Kathryn Griffo will serve as Penn’s new vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, according to an announcement from Penn President Larry Jameson on March 17.
Griffo, who has worked at Penn for nearly two decades, will take office on April 1 after her appointment is approved by the Board of Trustees. She currently serves as chief advancement officer for Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations.
“Kate Griffo is a highly respected leader whose strategic vision, dedication, and ability to build strong relationships have redounded to Penn Medicine’s and the University’s lasting benefit,” Jameson wrote in the announcement. “I am confident that in this new role, Kate will continue driving Penn’s fundraising success and deepen connections within our alumni and donor community.”
As PMDAR’s chief advancement officer, Griffo helped implement Penn’s Making History and Power of Penn fundraising campaigns, which raised over $4 billion.
Griffo will oversee efforts by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to manage fundraising and Penn’s relationship with its graduates as vice president.
The announcement described Griffo as “instrumental in the expansion of Penn Medicine’s campus through transformational naming opportunities,” including the Perelman School of Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center, and emphasized that “her focus on increasing financial aid has also advanced the University’s commitment to opportunity and support for students and scholars.”
Griffo replaces James Husson, who has led the Office of Development and Alumni Relations since his appointment by former Penn President Liz Magill in August 2022. Husson — who formerly served in several administrative fundraising positions at Harvard University — is leaving the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to return to Harvard as vice president for Alumni Affairs and Development.
“The Penn community is extraordinary, and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni generate knowledge and ideas that inspire and transform lives every day,” Griffo said. “I am honored to take on this role and excited to build upon the incredible momentum that has positioned Penn as a leader in philanthropy and alumni engagement.”
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