Karen Geer
Horseheads
Summary
Nonprofit leader with a successful history at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, achieving a 100% increase in individual giving and securing six-figure donations. Specializes in fundraising strategy and community relations, with a focus on strategic planning and board engagement. Proven ability to drive organizational growth and stability through innovative initiatives and robust donor relationships.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Executive Director
International Society of Sustainability Professionals
01.2025 - Current
- Restructured organization due to prior management issues and guided it through transition.
- Developed financial, HR, and educational partnership strategies to stabilize operations.
- Designed executive director search process for long-term sustainability.
Interim Executive Director
South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided leadership through major restructuring, including legal, financial, and housing operations.
- Collaborated with city agencies to resolve debt, lawsuits, and financial distress.
- Developed strategic recommendations for Board to ensure organizational viability.
Interim Executive Director
YWCA of Eastern Union County
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Oversaw $3.5M domestic violence agency serving 12,000+ clients after fire and leadership loss.
- Raised multimillion-dollar funds for capital rebuilding and program revitalization.
- Led county-wide domestic violence symposium and leadership breakfast to strengthen community ties.
Interim Leadership & Strategy Consultant
Midori Foundation, Inc
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Developed strategic initiatives after pandemic-related funding losses.
- Implemented financial risk policies and transitioned programs to online models.
- Strengthened Board and staff leadership capacity.
Executive Director
Interschool Orchestras of New York
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Expanded donor cultivation program, securing $100,000 in gifts.
- Negotiated contracts, leases, and labor agreements to improve efficiency.
- Designed acquisition strategy merging youth orchestra into a larger nonprofit.
- Established donor recognition program and built high-net-worth donor pipeline.
Executive Director
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Spearheaded fundraising campaigns doubling individual giving and securing six-figure gifts.
- Built corporate and foundation relationships, including rare grant from the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
- Expanded Board membership and enhanced program visibility.
- Led staff of 10+ overseeing $3.2M nonprofit serving 7,000 annually.
Interim Executive Director
Opus 118 Harlem School of Music
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Stabilized finances and advanced program growth.
- Strengthened donor relationships and led successful fundraising events.
- Built partnerships with schools and community organizations.
Education
Certificate - Non-Profit Management
Columbia Business School
New York, NYJuris Doctor -
Fordham University School of Law
White Plains, NYMaster of Law -
Pace University School of Law
White Plains, NYMaster of Music -
Manhattan School of Music
New York, NYBachelor of Music Education -
Kent State University
Kent, OHSkills
- Fundraising strategy and campaign management
- Major gifts and planned giving
- Donor cultivation and stewardship
- Board engagement and advisement
- Capital project leadership
- Strategic planning and nonprofit management
- Compliance and legal oversight
- Community relations
Selected Fundraising Accomplishments
- Raised $4M in capital gifts for the YWCA of Eastern Union County, securing the completion of a $6.5M headquarters.
- Expanded donor base by 150 individuals and doubled donor giving for Interschool Orchestras of New York.
- Secured six-figure individual and corporate gifts, including the first $200,000 individual gift at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
- Launched cultivation events and business partnerships yielding $95,000 in new donations and 20 new corporate partnerships.
- Consistently met and exceeded fundraising and development goals across multiple nonprofit organizations.
Timeline
Interim Executive Director
International Society of Sustainability Professionals
01.2025 - Current
Interim Executive Director
South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
01.2024 - 01.2025
Interim Executive Director
YWCA of Eastern Union County
01.2022 - 01.2024
Interim Leadership & Strategy Consultant
Midori Foundation, Inc
01.2020 - 01.2021
Executive Director
Interschool Orchestras of New York
01.2016 - 01.2020
Executive Director
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
01.2011 - 01.2016
Interim Executive Director
Opus 118 Harlem School of Music
01.2005 - 01.2011
Certificate - Non-Profit Management
Columbia Business School
Juris Doctor -
Fordham University School of Law
Master of Law -
Pace University School of Law
Master of Music -
Manhattan School of Music
Bachelor of Music Education -
Kent State University
Similar Profiles
Lark FaleafaLark Faleafa
Senior Membership Coordinator at The International Society Of Female ProfessionalsSenior Membership Coordinator at The International Society Of Female Professionals
Bilge YalçınBilge Yalçın
Sosyal Sorumluluk Komite Başkanı at Engineering and Sustainability SocietySosyal Sorumluluk Komite Başkanı at Engineering and Sustainability Society
Melissa ChenMelissa Chen
Representative at Kinesiology Undergrad Society SustainabilityRepresentative at Kinesiology Undergrad Society Sustainability
Kelly JacobsKelly Jacobs
Owner/House Cleaner at Kelly CleansOwner/House Cleaner at Kelly Cleans
William LohmullerWilliam Lohmuller
Mechanical Technician at Hardinge Inc. / KellenbergerMechanical Technician at Hardinge Inc. / Kellenberger