Kate Lombardi
Swarthmore,PA
Summary
Nonprofit executive with 15+ years of leadership in arts education and enrichment, known for translating mission and strategy into strong operations, sustainable funding, and measurable impact. Trusted partner to board and cross-functional teams; experienced in governance, people operations, financial management, risk/compliance, and external relations. Equity-centered, relationship-driven leader who builds inclusive culture while delivering disciplined execution across complex, community-facing programs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Musicopia
05.2026 - Current
- Lead the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors; provide timely, accurate information to support governance and decision-making and serve as liaison to Executive and Governance Committees.
- Drive mission-aligned strategy and strategic planning; oversee programs and partnerships with educational and cultural institutions to expand equitable access and impact.
- Ensure financial performance and viability: oversee budget development, financial reporting, and internal controls; lead fundraising/development efforts and steward key donor relationships.
- Oversee organizational operations and people leadership: hire, develop, and retain staff; set culture and expectations across the organization; promote volunteer engagement supporting mission delivery.
- Serve as the public-facing spokesperson; oversee marketing and communications and represent the organization at performances, events, and external engagements.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and maintenance of official records; guide change initiatives and continuous improvement to support sustainable growth.
Senior Director Strategy, Operations, People / COO
Musicopia
10.2024 - 04.2026
- Led Musicopia’s operating rhythm (annual planning, quarterly priorities, and performance reviews) to align strategy and execution; translated strategic priorities into resourced operational plans.
- Championed organization-wide process improvement: mapping workflows, clarifying decision rights, and implementing consistent operating standards to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability.
- Provided executive oversight of core operations (technology and administrative systems), compliance processes, purchasing, and vendor lifecycle management; strengthened internal controls and documentation in partnership with Finance.
- Led risk management, insurance, and business continuity planning; oversaw vendor selection/contract management standards; managed outsourced operations support as needed.
- Owned people operations strategy: workforce planning, equitable hiring/onboarding, total rewards administration, performance management systems, and employee relations support with appropriate confidentiality.
- Oversaw grant operations to ensure reporting readiness, accurate tracking, and timely submissions.
- Served as key staff partner to the Board: coordinated board/committee materials and logistics, maintained board information systems, supported governance implementation.
- Guided organizational transition and integration efforts (including Musicopia + Musicopia Dance merger effective Jan 1, 2026)
Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community
Musicopia And Dancing Classrooms Philly
01.2022 - 09.2024
- Developed and implemented individual, corporate, and major gift strategies; cultivated relationships with current and prospective donors and managed recognition and stewardship.
- Oversaw the Gift of Music program and donor engagement initiatives; partnered with program leadership to align fundraising with mission needs.
- Led marketing and public relations to increase visibility and support; managed media outreach and coordinated marketing, fundraising, and community events.
- Strengthened community presence by fostering partnerships with schools, community organizations, and constituents; served as a brand ambassador in external settings.
- Served as primary board liaison; managed meeting logistics and minutes, maintained the board portal, and supported board member donor relationships and donor events.
Philanthropy Manager
Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly
06.2020 - 12.2021
- Managed individual giving and special events; supported donor communications, stewardship workflows, and constituent engagement.
- Supported board communications and meeting preparation as board liaison.
Managing Director
Dancing Classrooms Philly
02.2018 - 05.2020
- Oversaw program operations, marketing, and communications; partnered with leadership and board on strategy and budget development; cultivated funder relationships.
Artistic and Education Director
Dancing Classrooms Philly
07.2013 - 01.2018
- Designed and delivered arts education programming; recruited, trained, and mentored faculty and staff; managed schedules, payroll, and partner agreements; produced culminating and special events.
Teaching Artist & Education Liaison
Dancing Classrooms Philly
07.2008 - 06.2013
- Taught ballroom dance to 5th and 8th grade students; built a supportive classroom culture and engagement through arts-based instruction.
Drumlines Manager
Musicopia
07.2018 - 05.2020
- Managed Drumlines operations including budget administration, teaching artist support, payroll coordination, and partner agreements; strengthened communication and accountability.
Education
Designing Leadership
Arts + Business Counsel For Greater Philadelphia
04.2023
Professional Fundraising Certificate
Boston University
08.2020
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute
Bryn Mawr College
10.2019
Bachelor of Fine Arts
University of The Arts
05.2006
Core Strengths
Board governance & committee support • Strategic planning & execution • Organizational leadership & culture • Fundraising & donor stewardship • Partnerships & community engagement • Financial stewardship (budgeting & oversight) • Operational excellence (process improvement, operating rhythm, metrics/dashboards) • HR/people operations & compliance • Risk management/insurance • Vendor/contract management • Grant writing & management • Marketing, communications & spokesperson responsibilities
Additional Information
- Network for New Music Board Member
- International Ballet Exchange Board Member
- SHARP Dance Company Artist Liaison
Timeline
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Musicopia
05.2026 - Current
Senior Director Strategy, Operations, People / COO
Musicopia
10.2024 - 04.2026
Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community
Musicopia And Dancing Classrooms Philly
01.2022 - 09.2024
Philanthropy Manager
Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly
06.2020 - 12.2021
Drumlines Manager
Musicopia
07.2018 - 05.2020
Managing Director
Dancing Classrooms Philly
02.2018 - 05.2020
Artistic and Education Director
Dancing Classrooms Philly
07.2013 - 01.2018
Teaching Artist & Education Liaison
Dancing Classrooms Philly
07.2008 - 06.2013
Designing Leadership
Arts + Business Counsel For Greater Philadelphia
Professional Fundraising Certificate
Boston University
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute
Bryn Mawr College
Bachelor of Fine Arts
University of The Arts