EMILIE HENRY
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Senior–level leader with more than 25 years of experience guiding philanthropy, communications, and external relations for nationally recognized independent schools and mission-driven nonprofits. Trusted strategic partner to Heads of School and Boards, with deep expertise in comprehensive campaign leadership, major and principal gifts, and advancement organization design. Demonstrated success leading nine-figure campaigns, securing transformational seven- and eight-figure gifts, and delivering sustained growth in giving, engagement, and institutional reputation. Known for building disciplined, donor-centered cultures; developing and retaining high-performing teams; and aligning advancement strategy with long-range institutional priorities. Frequently sought speaker and advisor within the independent school advancement community.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS
Atlanta, USA
07.2013 - Current
- Serve as the institution’s senior advancement leader and a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering closely with the President and Board of Trustees to advance the School’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
- Provide enterprise-wide leadership for fundraising, communications, alumni and parent relations, stewardship, advancement operations, and all-school events; lead and mentor a 37-person advancement organization with a $1.8M annual operating budget.
- Led sustained growth in philanthropic revenue, exceeding goals every year, and generating more than $200M in cumulative giving during tenure, including record-setting annual totals of $25M+ in consecutive years.
- Conceived, launched, and led Lead On, a $120M comprehensive campaign supporting capital and endowment priorities; exceeded the working goal early and will conclude the campaign at $160 million in June 2026; secured three eight-figure gifts, fifteen seven-figure gifts, and manage a portfolio of 125 rated prospects at $500K+.
- Serve as senior advisor to the Board and Campaign Executive Committee, providing strategic guidance, performance reporting, and fiscal oversight of an $8M campaign budget.
- Strengthened annual giving and alumni engagement, doubling annual fund revenue to over $5 million while increasing leadership-level investments by both parents and alumni by more than 100%.
- Developed and implemented a robust alumni engagement program with national chapters and strategic events designed to effectively engage alumni and add value to their lives; in partnership with the Alumni Governing Board developed and executed two comprehensive strategic plans; envisioned and launched the Black Alumni Council in 2020, increasing engagement of black alumni by over 100%.
- Established a comprehensive, high-touch stewardship model across annual, capital, and endowment giving ($317 million endowment), resulting in a 98% donor satisfaction rating.
- Led a comprehensive institutional brand refresh that modernized messaging, improved market differentiation, and contributed to increased referrals and engagement.
- Built a leadership development and succession framework that increased staff retention, strengthened internal pipelines, and reinforced a high-performance, mission-aligned culture.
- Serve as the staff liaison for board advancement, campaign executive, and governance committees; member of the board finance committee, and served on the board campus planning committee.
- Nationally recognized independent day school (K–12) serving 1,895 students, 1,400 families, and 12,000 alumni.
Director of Advancement
TRINITY SCHOOL
Atlanta, USA
07.2008 - 06.2013
- Executive leadership team member; directed an eight-person advancement team overseeing fundraising, communications, and community engagement.
- Delivered record fundraising results annually; increased leadership giving by 45%, expanded donor base by 30%, and grew special event revenue by 35%.
- Designed and executed a $20M comprehensive campaign supporting capital and endowment priorities.
- Staffed Board Advancement Committee and served on Finance, Investment, and Governance Committees; managed and trained 300+ volunteers annually.
- Independent, coeducational day school serving 640 students (ages 3–Grade 6).
Senior Major Gifts Officer
THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS
Atlanta, USA
10.2006 - 06.2008
- Managed a portfolio of 200 rated prospects during a $100M comprehensive campaign; top-performing gift officer, securing $5M+ in a 20-month period.
- Led a 15-member volunteer fundraising committee to raise $17M ahead of deadline.
- Supervised development associate and managed reunion giving and campaign communications.
Director of Development
THE YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION
Gardiner, USA
03.2004 - 10.2006
- Executive leadership team member; managed four direct reports and national volunteer leadership.
- Planned and executed the organization’s first capital campaign, raising $11.2M and entering the public phase one year early.
- Secured multiple seven-figure gifts and led donor cultivation efforts across 16 regions.
- Expanded a 25,000-member program, increasing revenue by 60% and tripling giving through a new loyalty donor initiative.
- Educational and fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park.
Director of Annual Fund & Special Events
FAMILIES FIRST, INC.
Atlanta, USA
01.2000 - 03.2004
- Led a $1.4M annual fund; increased special event revenue by 59%.
- Managed donor database (Raiser’s Edge), gift processing, stewardship communications, and marketing for revenue-generating programs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geology (High Honors)
University of Montana
Missoula, MTColorado College
Colorado Springs, COSkills
- Fundraising strategy and campaign management
- Donor stewardship and alumni engagement
- Strategic planning and relationship building
- Team leadership
- Communication strategy
- Public speaking
Leadership Philosophy
I believe the Chief Advancement Officer’s role is to serve as a strategic bridge—connecting mission to philanthropy, institutional vision to donor intent, and leadership aspiration to sustainable resources. Effective advancement begins with deep partnership with the Head of School and Board, grounded in trust, clarity, and shared accountability for outcomes. My approach is donor-centered and data-informed, balancing disciplined strategy with authentic relationship-building. I focus on creating advancement cultures that value rigor, collaboration, and stewardship, where donors feel genuinely known and invested, and teams are empowered to do their best work. I am particularly committed to building resilient, high-performing organizations through clear priorities, thoughtful talent development, and succession planning that ensures continuity beyond any one campaign or leader. At its best, advancement strengthens not only financial capacity but also institutional identity, community confidence, and long-term impact. I measure success by sustained philanthropic growth, engaged and aligned stakeholders, and an advancement enterprise that meaningfully advances the school’s mission for generations to come.
Leadership and Advancement Expertise
- Advancement, External Relations, and School Leadership
- Head of School & Board Partnership
- Comprehensive Capital Campaigns ($20M–$150M+)
- Major & Principal Gifts Strategy ($500K–$10M+)
- Advancement Strategy, Planning & Performance Metrics
- Alumni & Community Engagement
- Advancement Organization Design & Talent Development
- Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management
- Brand Strategy, Strategic Communications
- Advancement Operations, Budgeting & Systems
Professional Leadership Affiliations
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Member, 2006–Present
- Summer Institute for Independent Schools, Faculty Member, 2016 – 21
- Independent Schools Leadership Group (ISLG), Member, 2017 – present; Steering Committee, 2017–2020; Chair, 2018–2019
- CASE-NAIS Planning Committee, 2018
- CASE-NAIS Conference Chair, 2020
- CASE US/Canada Advisory Council, Member, 2020 - 22; Chair, 2022 – 24
Accomplishments
CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, Fundraising Programs, 2019
Personal Information
Enjoy yoga, pilates, cycling, reading, and time with friends and family
References
Available upon request
Websites
Timeline
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS
07.2013 - Current
Director of Advancement
TRINITY SCHOOL
07.2008 - 06.2013
Senior Major Gifts Officer
THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS
10.2006 - 06.2008
Director of Development
THE YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION
03.2004 - 10.2006
Director of Annual Fund & Special Events
FAMILIES FIRST, INC.
01.2000 - 03.2004
Bachelor of Science - Geology (High Honors)
University of Montana
Colorado College