ABOUT ME

Catherine Scott, Ph.D

From 2007-2016, I worked for Heifer International. As Director of Foundation Relations, I was responsible for managing a multi-million dollar grant portfolio. I stewarded some of Heifer International's largest relationships with foundations, including The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, The Ford Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and others. During my last five years, I built a capable team with a proven track record for winning grant proposals from private U.S foundations, growing support for Heifer International from foundations by 189 percent in 2014 and again exceeding our targets in 2016. In 2013, I was privileged to help lead the proposal team that won a $25.5 million grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the East Africa Dairy Development project Phase II in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (a challenging and rewarding experience).

Prior to coming to Heifer International, I received my Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo in English Literature. Teaching college-level courses helped me become an experienced and effective educator, mentor and public speaker, whether I'm teaching program staff about grant-writing or volunteering with the Posse Foundation's scholars to improve their essay-writing.

While I loved teaching, I have always had a strong commitment to non-profit work, and I've been lucky enough to make meaningful contributions through writing.

I'm known for finding solutions to sticky problems, and for keeping a cool head in the middle of chaotic situations. I have noted capacity for working effectively with diverse staff (whether they are in Kenya or Peru), donors (whether they have large or mid-level giving capacity) and volunteers (whether they are CEOs or caregivers).

My hobbies include dancing, reading fantasy novels, walking my dog, and eating really delicious cheese. Originally from Canada, I have lived in Huntington Beach with my husband Michael for the past 10 years.