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About Me

A mission-driven development executive, Karen Paciero is deeply passionate about the critical role philanthropy plays in transforming lives and communities. At Shirley Ryan С¶÷ÑÅ, she leads philanthropy and development efforts for the organization. She also serves as President of its Keystone Board.

Karen has three decades of experience stewarding donors and securing investments for leading nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining Shirley Ryan С¶÷ÑÅ in 2024, she led all development efforts for Loyola University Chicago. There, she built a high-performing, data-driven advancement and alumni engagement program, growing annual average fundraising performance by 60% from both alumni and non-alumni donors. She also was instrumental in securing a $100 million gift ¡ª the largest in the university¡¯s history ¡ª which offers first-generation, low-income students full-ride scholarships and support services aimed at increasing graduation rates.

Prior, she served as Associate Vice President-Individual Giving for UChicago Medicine, where she led a team of more than 30 development professionals to help advance research, science and clinical care, including trauma intervention services and programs like child life. Before that, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she guided a dedicated team of volunteers across New England and the Midwest to ensure that families received the support and resources needed during their cancer treatment and recovery journeys. Earlier in her career, at Feeding America, she played a key role in disaster response during Hurricane Katrina, strengthening the hunger safety net for children and families by fostering productive partnerships with corporations and individuals.

Karen earned her master¡¯s degree from University of Michigan and her bachelor¡¯s degree from Michigan State University.