Kerry Watterson, CFRE serves as Head, Global Philanthropy for Fundraising Well. He also teaches Fundraising Models and Resource Development with University of California-Irvine. With AFP, he serves on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of Government Relations & Ethics for the NYC chapter, and on the Board of Directors for the AFP USA Political Action Committee, and founded the NY Statewide Fundraising and Philanthropy Day. In his 21-year career as a fundraiser, Kerry has raised more than $200 Million for nonprofits, political campaigns, and commercial ventures.
Kerry founded the philanthropy and fundraising consulting firm, Fundraising Well, to help nonprofits and philanthropists develop specific and sophisticated strategies to maximize their impact on society and targeted causes. Bringing organic knowledge of ethical fundraising practices, and an in-depth understanding of the philanthropic marketplace, Kerry forges solid, trustworthy partnerships to achieve mission driven outcomes and results for program clients, stakeholders, and communities at large. An astute philanthropic strategist, his ability to establish and nurture key partnerships to advance critical initiatives is at the core of every success.
In addition to his career in fundraising and philanthropy, Kerry has been a classroom educator and built training programs and education sites around the world. He has also produced, directed, and cast musicals and plays on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the country.
Kerry received his B.A. from Texas Wesleyan University and earned two master’s degrees: M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Arizona, and M.S. in Financial Planning and Analysis. He won the 2018 Alumni Achievement Award from the National Mortar Board Association. Kerry lives in Jersey City, NJ with his husband, Eduardo, and their fur baby, Skipper. You can connect with Kerry on LinkedIn.