KELLEY TUTHILL
Non-profit Leader
Communications Strategist
Fundraiser
Breast Cancer Advocate
Author
ABOUT
Mission-driven leader with expertise in non-profit leadership, brand visibility, fundraising, strategic planning, board relations, event planning, partnerships, and communications strategy. Former broadcast journalist with a passion for compelling storytelling. Data drives where the team invests our time and resources. I'm also a breast cancer advocate who speaks and emcees events at hospitals, charity events and corporations. Proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and previously on the advisory council for the University of Notre Dame College of Arts and Letters. Volunteer Girl Scouts troop leader.
MY EXPERIENCE
Background & Expertise
PRESIDENT AND CEO
January 2024-present
President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, one of the most comprehensive social service agencies in Eastern Massachusetts with an operating budget of $50M and 450 employees.
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Responsible with the Board for developing the vision and strategic plan for the agency
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Fundraising successes include multiple six and seven-figure gifts and significant multi-year foundation grants
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2024 Annual gala raised $1.4M, an increase of 100% from previous year.
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Oversee advancement ($10M+ annually), programs, marketing and communications, government and community relations, legal, and human resources
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Developing long-term strategic initiatives including reimagining multi-service centers in Gateway Cities.
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Leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts including mandatory training for all employees and creating a vision for future agency initiatives
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Developing and improving systems, processes, controls and procedures to improve overall agency efficiency and program effectiveness
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
December 2020-December 2023
COO of Catholic Charities Boston
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Responsible with the CEO for leading the execution of the strategic plan for the agency
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Oversee advancement, marketing and communications, government affairs, legal, and human resources
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Leading efforts to drive and execute a plan to reorganize operations and re-envision the agency
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Developing long-term strategic initiatives including fundraising campaign, website overhaul, brand refresh across print and digital to help elevate perceptions of the organization
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Leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts including mandatory training for all employees and creating a vision for future agency initiatives
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Developing and improving systems, processes, controls and procedures to improve overall agency efficiency and program effectiveness
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Serve as the president’s lead public relations advisor responsible for developing and implementing a thought leadership platform, earned media opportunities, social media, speeches and town halls
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
June 2016-December 2020
Led the Marketing and Communications Department at Regis College in Weston, Mass.
Established unified marketing and communications team and centralized university-wide policies and procedures in alignment with Regis College’s strategic plan
Updated College tagline and developed key messaging points
Modernized Regis’ visual identity in print and digital collateral
Launched major initiatives to elevate overall branding including modernizing design, content and architecture of Regis’ website; increased site traffic by 25%
Developed comprehensive and data-driven digital, advertising and social media strategies to support undergraduate and graduate enrollment resulting in the largest undergraduate class in Regis history
New academic program launches exceeded enrollment and revenue goals
Increased public relations and earned media presence in The Boston Globe, television news and industry publications
Implemented new communications tools and measurable technologies for university-wide use, such as digital email marketing platforms, a virtual tour, and social media management tools
Facebook followers grew 3000%; LinkedIn followers increased by over 1000%; Instagram followers by over 800%; Twitter followers by 200%
Strengthened community relations by establishing the MetroWest Community Advisory Board
Created a crisis communications plan informed by 20 years of covering emergencies as a journalist
Served on president’s cabinet and wrote presidential communications including speeches
NEWS REPORTER/ANCHOR
March 1998-June 2016
Emmy Award-winning reporter for #1 rated television newscasts
Enterprise, develop, write and produce compelling content for all WCVB broadcast and digital platforms
Assignments included:
Boston Marathon bombing and trial
Capture and trial of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger
Disputed 2000 presidential election in Tallahassee
Columbia shuttle crash in Houston
Red Sox 2004 World Series
Co-anchor for launch of Weekend Eye Opener newscast
Original member of Team 5 Investigates, Boston’s premier investigative unit
2011 national exclusive with first photo of captured fugitive James “Whitey” Bulger
Gracie Award for reports which led Homeland Security to reverse its decision and allow dying Chinese immigrant’s family to travel to America in 2009
NEWS REPORTER
April 1996-March 1998
News reporter at WPBF West Palm Beach, Fla.
MY SKILLS
Strategic planning
Fundraising
Strong writing and storytelling
Public speaking
Social media strategy
Crisis communications
Marketing, public and community relations
LEADER
Responsible with the president for developing the vision and strategic plan for Catholic Charities. Created an award-winning university marketing and communications department and oversee complex projects including website overhaul.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATOR
More than 20 years of experience in journalism with expertise in crisis communications, social media and video production. Media placements in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald and all major Boston TV stations; position the president as a thought leader
INNOVATOR
Organized launch of first annual Founders’ Day of Service at Regis College; DeHate the Debate event in conjunction with MetroWest Daily News; sculptor Nancy Schön exhibit on campus
EDUCATION
ED.D.
REGIS COLLEGE
Earned a doctorate in higher education leadership. My dissertation focused on the role of presidential digital engagement in fostering a sense of community among stakeholders.
September 2017-May 2020
M.S. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
Earned a master's degree in broadcast journalism.
September 1994-May 1995
B.A.
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Earned a degree in American Studies with a minor in Gender Studies. Served as editor-in-chief of the daily student newspaper.
September 1988-May 1992
RECOGNITIONS
EDUCATIONAL ADVERTISING AWARD
2018
Gold winner for best athletic marketing program “Championship Driven”.
MASSACHUSETTS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION
2014
Best Use of Digital Media award for multi-platform coverage of Whitey Bulger trial.
JIMMY AWARD
2017
Honored for commitment to the mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
EMMY AWARD
2008
Received Emmy Award for Outstanding News Specialty Report for Kelley's Story.