Kate Villa

Kate’s connection to fundraising began at Columbia University, where she worked in the development office as a college student. That early experience sparked a passion for aligning donor commitment with visionary institutional goals—work that has shaped her career for more than 25 years, including service as a chief development officer before joining CCS. 

Throughout her tenure, Kate has guided teams through campaigns ranging from $2 million to $1 billion, helping organizations bring bold ideas to life through thoughtful strategy, innovation, and collaboration. She has a proclivity for distilling complexity, motivating cross-functional teams, and creating pathways that unlock sustainable philanthropic growth. 

Both as a Senior Vice President at CCS and beyond, Kate is a respected voice in the field. She serves on the CASE Industry Advisory Council and has held leadership roles with AFP chapters in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Her commitment to community is reflected in her past service as Vice-Chair of the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, where she helped advance youth access to recreation and environmental stewardship. 

A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and Columbia College, Kate lives in Boston and spends as much time as she can outdoors in her home state of Vermont. Whether skiing, hiking, on a boat, or cooking with friends and family, she brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her personal life that she brings to her work with clients.