Katherine O’Hare

Katherine O’Hare is a dynamic nonprofit leader with nearly 15 years of experience in fundraising and development, successfully driving philanthropic strategies that have raised over $250 million for causes including gender and racial equity, youth development, food security, animal welfare, and community empowerment. A passionate advocate for volunteerism, Katherine has seen its profound impact at individual, community, and societal levels. Her personal experiences with service have fueled her commitment to giving back and inspired her to build a career dedicated to supporting the nonprofit sector and mobilizing people and philanthropy for positive change.

As Chief Development Officer, Katherine leads Points of Light’s global fundraising agenda, creating innovative partnerships that align corporate, foundation, and individual donors with the organization’s mission to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world.

Her commitment to service is deeply rooted in her personal and professional journey. Most recently, she served as Points of Light’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Foundations, joining the organization in January 2024. Prior to Points of Light, she held senior leadership roles at American Humane and National 4-H Council, where she specialized in corporate partnerships and foundation relations. At National 4-H Council, she spearheaded a multi-year cause marketing strategy that increased funding by 175% and resulted in award-winning campaigns that boosted the organization’s visibility and public engagement.

Katherine’s leadership blends passion with purpose, building inclusive, high-impact teams that deliver strong mission outcomes. With extensive experience managing partnerships across North America, Africa, and Asia, she is adept at fostering cross-cultural collaboration and aligning corporate goals with the diverse needs of communities worldwide.

Her international experience extends to her service as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, where she worked on youth and community development projects and supported vulnerable populations in refugee camps. Katherine also spent several years in the international development sector with Plan International USA, building partnerships that advanced girls’ rights and gender equity globally.

Katherine is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds an MSc in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a BA in History from Temple University. An avid traveler, she has visited over 45 countries, continually seeking opportunities to immerse herself in different cultures. She lives in Washington, D.C., where she enjoys attending local events and exploring the outdoors with her husband, Tim, and their silver lab, Nickel.