Kate Clinton sums L’Arche up in two words: extraordinary authenticity.
When visiting the L’Arche community in Portland, Kate met someone who told her, “I think I like you. You look clean.” She loves this candor.
Kate herself can be quite forthright. As board members gathered for the September 23rd meeting where her name was being brought for nomination she introduced herself to each one and asked for their vote. It was a unanimous and resounding “aye.”
“I have a fervor for what we’re about,” Kate said. “I want to continue the work of the committed staff and volunteers, and further engage other people.”
Kate isn’t new to L’Arche. She met Henri Nouwen, the theologian, writer, and speaker whose work popularized L’Arche in North America, while she was working at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She previously served on the L’Arche USA board, and has been fielding fundraising questions from the L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C.’s development team for several years. “I admire and enjoy working with the development team and John Cook,” she said.
As L’Arche implements its four-year strategic plan, Kate’s extensive and diverse background in marketing and fundraising will be a godsend to the community. Her expertise includes capital campaigns, board development, and managing fundraising operations.
In addition to her connection with L’Arche, Kate is the director of development at the National Women’s Women’s History Museum, is active in Hospice of Washington, D.C, Leadership Washington, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She lives in downtown D.C.
-Bethany Keener