The Montrose Center is pleased to announce that Kelly Nicholls (she/her) has joined the team as our new chief development officer. A prominent figure in Houston’s LGBTQIA+ philanthropic community, Kelly brings nearly 15 years of fundraising experience to our organization.
Kelly’s impressive career includes leadership roles at major Houston institutions such as Houston Grand Opera and Theatre Under the Stars. Most recently, she served as the chief advancement officer at Allies in Hope. Throughout her career, Kelly has demonstrated exceptional skills in high-level fundraising, marketing, and relationship management.
Some of Kelly’s notable achievements include:
- Successful capital campaigns
- Record-breaking donations
- Implementation of targeted marketing strategies
- Launching LGBTQIA+ initiatives in the arts
- Spearheading DEI efforts in collaboration with organizations like the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
As our new chief development officer, Kelly will oversee all philanthropic endeavors at the Center and serve as a key member of our executive leadership team. Her deep passion for the LGBTQIA+ community, combined with her proven track record in fundraising, makes her an invaluable addition to our organization.
Kelly joins us following the retirement of Kennedy Loftin, our former chief development officer, who successfully spearheaded the completion of the Law Harrington Senior Living Center campaign and expanded the development department by securing over $2M in annual support for the Center.
Kelly’s strong understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by our community will be crucial in securing the resources necessary to expand the Center’s vital programs and services. We are confident that her leadership will drive our philanthropic efforts to new heights.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Montrose Center family is excited to welcome Kelly Nicholls to the team. Her expertise and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to advancing our mission and serving our community more effectively than ever before.