Kathryn Griffo named Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Penn

Penn President J. Larry Jameson announced today that Kathryn (Kate) Griffo will serve as the University’s next Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), effective April 1, 2025, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. 

Griffo has been a dedicated leader at Penn for nearly two decades, serving most recently as Chief Advancement Officer for Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations (PMDAR). Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in partnering with donors on record-breaking philanthropic gifts for Penn Medicine, deepening donor and alumni engagement, and fostering a vibrant culture of volunteer leadership. PMDAR has effectively propelled fundraising for clinical departments and biomedical research under her leadership, fostering record-breaking successes in fundraising campaigns. 

Over the last 15 years and across the Making History and Power of Penn Campaigns, Kate led PMDAR in raising more than $4B, growing and strengthening Penn Medicine across metrics and measures. This includes Penn Medicine’s physical footprint. Kate has been instrumental in the expansion of Penn Medicine’s campus through transformational naming opportunities including the Perelman School of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Jordan Medical Education Center, Roberts Center for Proton Therapy and, most recently, the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs. Her focus on increasing financial aid has also advanced the University’s commitment to opportunity and support for students and scholars.

In making the announcement, Jameson praised Griffo’s extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to Penn’s mission. “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,” said Jameson. “She is a trusted, tested partner whose leadership has strengthened donor engagement, mobilized key volunteer networks, and advanced critical priorities. PMDAR’s success has not only moved the needle for Penn Medicine but for discovery and patient lives the world over. 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.”

Kate’s affinity with Penn extends beyond her professional leadership. She is also a Penn Parent and married to a proud alumnus (C’86), lending her invaluable perspective on the University’s lifechanging impact on students, families, and alumni.

As Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Griffo will oversee Penn’s comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement efforts, working closely with University leadership, deans, and development teams across Penn’s Schools and Centers. She will play a key role in advancing major philanthropic initiatives and ensuring that the University’s development efforts align with its highest priorities.

“The Penn community is extraordinary, and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni generate knowledge and ideas that inspire and transform lives every day,” said Griffo. “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. I look forward to working with my talented colleagues across the University to further strengthen Penn’s impact and expand the support that will shape its future.”

Griffo earned her undergraduate degree from Dickinson College. She succeeds Jim Husson, who led Penn’s development efforts since 2022.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Jim for his exemplary leadership and contributions to Penn,” Jameson added. “As we look to the future, Kate’s experience, vision, and deep understanding of the Penn ecosystem will ensure that our development and alumni relations efforts continue to flourish.”