Kate Wilinski is the director of advancement for the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She is responsible for the School’s overall fundraising, donor relations, and alumni relations functions.

Kate has more than 15 years of development experience, serving communities in the Twin Cities area by leading the advancement departments in a variety of sectors. Previously, she was vice president of advancement at Opportunity Partners, a Twin Cities nonprofit organization serving adults with disabilities. She served on the executive management team while responsible for major gifts, annual fund, communications, volunteer, and advocacy programs.

Kate also served as advancement director at ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka, expanding philanthropic initiatives to support those experiencing food insecurity and unstable housing. She also worked as the development director at Hennepin Theatre Trust, where she grew individual giving and community partnerships.

Kate earned her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Mankato, and her MBA from Metro State University. She currently serves on the boards of the Excelsior Rotary and Community for the Commons, and has a long history of other volunteer service in the community.