Kelly Lake

Consultant

Kelly Lake brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications. She has deep expertise across all facets of development, including annual giving, events, major and principal gift strategies, stewardship, and comprehensive campaigns. Kelly is also highly skilled in coaching nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, boards, and volunteers in effective major gift fundraising practices.

The majority of Kelly’s career was spent at The Whitfield School in St. Louis, where she held a series of advancement roles including Director of Development for 15 years. During her tenure, she was recognized for her exceptional relationship-building skills and a proven record of securing significant philanthropic support.

Kelly began her consulting career in 2023 to help nonprofits strengthen their fundraising strategies and build long-term sustainability. Her clients span a range of sectors, including education, human services, social justice, arts and culture, and faith-based organizations.

Most recently, Kelly served as Director of Development for New Sector Alliance, a nonprofit leadership development organization based in Chicago, where she led fundraising efforts to advance its mission of empowering mission-driven organizations and cultivating transformative leaders.

In addition to her consulting work, Kelly serves as Major Gifts Officer at The Whitfield School, focusing on deepening donor relationships and securing transformational gifts that advance the school’s strategic priorities.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Saint Louis University.