Julie Siebel

Julie Siebel’s career is a unique blend of the theoretical and the pragmatic. She holds a Ph.D. in U.S. History & Gender Studies, maintains an ongoing research interest in the impact of women’s leadership in the nonprofit sector, and brings nearly four decades as a leader in the field through both her professional and volunteer careers. Together, these roles allow her to leverage the power that exists at the intersection of people, culture, and philanthropy. Whether serving as a frontline fundraiser at Scripps College, the head of volunteerism at CHOC Children’s Hospital, on the international board of directors for the Association of Junior Leagues, or a consultant driving transformational change for more than 40 of CCS’ clients, she focuses on relationship-building and operational effectiveness. 

Julie believes that a successful fundraising initiative meets its goals, while an exceptional one redefines an organization’s capacity and impact. As a member of CCS’ West region for more than a decade, she has specialized in helping transform institutions and their programs by building infrastructure, enhancing constituent engagement, strengthening systems that lead to substantial fundraising support, and ensuring organizational sustainability. The most rewarding projects of her career have started with someone saying either “We don’t know what’s wrong but it isn’t working, can you fix it?” or “We know there is more we can achieve, will you help us find out how?” She has done so across sectors and projects. 

Higher education clients are a particular focus. She has helped campuses navigate pandemic challenges and celebrated a San Diego community college’s first seven-figure gift. Beyond education, she has partnered with human service organizations, volunteer-driven associations, and arts and culture institutions. At The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano, she led the launch of an endowment campaign, increased annual fundraising revenue, and instituted a nuanced major gifts program. At the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, she helped design and launch their first-ever philanthropy department and laid the groundwork for a nine-figure campaign. 

Her role at CCS includes internal leadership responsibilities. As a project executive, Julie supports the professional development of team members, ensures projects meet or exceed expectations, and strengthens client relationships. 

A proud Southern California native, Julie lives on Balboa Island with her cat Abigail (who always has an opinion to share, like her namesake, First Lady Abigail Adams) and is within 10 minutes of her extended family. When not working, she enjoys attending baseball games and theater productions to cheer on her nephews, sharing meals with family and friends, volunteering for Pomona College, the Junior League, and other local organizations, walking along the beach, and reading historical romance for relaxation.