“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu
Kathy Drucquer Duff is an expert in advancement and leadership development with clients around the world. She’s worked in and with institutions across the nonprofit spectrum, including education, the environment, healthcare, and social services. Her work spans training, coaching, mentorship, strategy, and an extensive webinar training platform.
Kathy founded KDD Philanthropy eight years ago after a career that included serving as Associate Vice Chancellor of University Development at University of California, San Diego, Vice President of Philanthropy at Sharp HealthCare Foundation, and Associate Vice President of University Relations and Development at San Diego State University. In these roles, she honed her approach to supporting both the leaders and the advancement staff who are building a better, more generous world through their work.
As coaches and consultants, Kathy and her team quickly assess a client’s landscape, identify needs, engage with staff at a variety of levels and functions, and provide tools to build the individual and the culture. Their approach is informed by a strong belief that the best investment an advancement leader can make is in the people who carry out the work of inspiring and securing philanthropy every day. Additionally, Kathy is a certified Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach.
Kathy is a sought-after consultant, author, and speaker for industry associations, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP). She was a decades-long partner with Academic Impressions on their Fundraising Essentials series, and authored Productive Conversations with Donors: A Handbook for Frontline Fundraisers.
