Meet the Speaker: Robyn Kress

Robyn Kress joined Ascension in 2021 to establish the Ascension Foundation, bringing more than 20 years experience in fundraising, donor relationships and insight about making impactful change to this new endeavor. A nationally sought after philanthropy expert, Robyn led marketing and event agencies, advising and supporting executive leaders and fundraising teams at elite organizations including Harvard Business School, Duke University, the Smithsonian Institution, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to inspire high level giving for $1 billion+ fundraising campaigns. 

Earlier roles in the financial industry and as an in-house campaign leader at two major research universities inspired Robyn to focus her professional efforts on the role that private philanthropy plays in sparking innovative solutions that more quickly create positive change for people, families, and communities. Today, under her leadership, the Foundation pursues the vital work of addressing entrenched problems that diminish health in the United States – including stemming the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and working to create a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for all. 

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Robyn holds a Professional Certificate of Fundraising Management from Goucher College and an Executive Certificate of Healthcare Management from Yale University.