Development Guild is excited to announce that Sarah E. Kelly has been named Chief Advancement Officer of The Ursuline School.

Sarah joins Ursuline with over 25 years of distinguished advancement experience.  Most recently, Sarah served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Manhattanville University, more than doubling fundraising results during her tenure.  

Sarah gained international fundraising experience as the University of Galway’s first professional Director of Development, working both in Ireland and the US to establish best practices for its advancement program. Sarah raised €20 million in new gifts, which became the cornerstone of the University’s successful €150 million capital campaign. 

Sarah also has extensive experience with Catholic institutions, having served as the Vice President for Advancement at Wheeling University, formerly Wheeling Jesuit University, and as a consultant to Xaverian High School. 

In her new role, Sarah will partner with the President and the Board of Trustees to establish future fundraising priorities and develop a vision for Ursuline’s advancement initiatives in alignment with the school’s strategic plan. Additionally, Sarah will continue to build upon The Ursuline School’s culture of philanthropy and work to highlight the school’s mission and traditions, building on Ursuline’s more than 125 years of achievement. 

“I am thrilled to join a community with such a proud history of preparing young women for a lifetime of leadership and service.  With stakeholders that are deeply committed to Ursuline, a compelling mission to empower young women through education, and a strong foundation of successful fundraising, I have no doubt that we can continue to strengthen and grow Ursuline’s advancement program. I am deeply inspired by Ursuline’s mission and values, and I look forward to contributing to this vibrant community,” Sarah noted.

Sarah was unanimously selected by a search committee that included trustees, faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents following a national search conducted by Development Guild DDI. Dr. Colleen Melnyk, President, shared, “My thanks to our search committee for their support and engagement during the search process. Sarah’s expertise in building relationships, driving philanthropic growth, and leading dynamic teams will be invaluable to advancing the mission of The Ursuline School. I am confident that her commitment to excellence and alignment with my vision will serve our community well for years to come.”