Until her retirement on July 1, 2019, Connie Kravas had been the University of Washington’s Senior Vice President for University Advancement since 2001. As chief advancement officer for the University, Connie was a strong proponent of an integrated model which brought together fundraising, alumni relations and marketing at both central and decentral levels.
In the Fall of 2018 the University of Washington/UW Foundation completed a comprehensive $5 billion campaign, two years ahead of schedule. The Be Boundless campaign was supported by over 380,000 donors- 70% of whom contributed between $1 and $500.
Prior to coming to the University of Washington, Connie served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of California, Riverside. She also held a variety of positions at Washington State University, including Vice President for University Advancement (1997-99), and President of the Washington State University Foundation (1981-99).
Connie holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Pacific Lutheran University, a master’s degree in sociology from Indiana State University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Washington State University.
Connie’s involvement in the community spans work with both charitable and business enterprises, including Board member of Banner Bank for 12 years. Various recognitions include: Distinguished Alumnus of Pacific Lutheran University (2008); Major Gift Laureate presented by the Institute for Charitable Giving “in recognition of lifetime achievement in major gift fundraising and remarkable contribution to the profession” (1998); Washington State University Alumni Achievement Award “for superb leadership, vision and inspiration in the phenomenal growth and development of the WSU Foundation” (1997); WSU Woman of Distinction Award for alumnae (1996); Centennial Alumni Achievement Award of Pacific Lutheran University (1990) and E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (2019).