Katie Connolly joined Newton-Wellesley Hospital as Vice President of Development & Community Engagement in January 2021. In that role, she oversaw strategy and campaign planning, major and annual gift programs, events and donor stewardship as well as the hospital’s community engagement programs including volunteerism and community partnerships. In July 2023, Katie assumed the new position of Chief Development Officer for Newton-Wellesley along with Salem Hospital, guiding all philanthropic operations while forging a strategic collaboration between Mass General Brigham’s two acute care community hospitals.

Katie has a deep knowledge of philanthropy and project management in local and international markets. A collaborative, optimistic, energetic, and insightful leader, she takes the time to understand an organization, its needs, and its stakeholders.

As importantly, Katie invests in cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships within the donor community. She is known for her enthusiasm, communication, and problem-solving skills. Katie deeply values relationship building, strategic planning, and creative thinking.

Katie joined NWH from Milton Academy, where she successfully managed the most ambitious capital campaign in the school’s history, surpassing its goal. Previously, Katie worked at Horizons for Homeless Children as Chief Development Officer responsible for a team of eight and the overall advancement operation. She also spent over five years at MIT Sloan School of Management, most recently as the Director of Development, overseeing a team of 17 in the areas of leadership, individual, corporate, and international giving.

Katie earned her BS from Reed College, MS in Hospitality from New York University, and MBA from Simmons School of Management. She attended The Winsor School in Boston and has been a lifelong resident of Jamaica Plain, where she lives with her husband, two young sons—and the newest addition to the family—Popper, a sheepadoodle.