The Science Philanthropy Alliance (the “Alliance”) announced that Valerie Conn will become Executive Director of the organization effective July 1, 2017. Marc Kastner will continue as President of the Alliance.

Conn is currently Vice President, with responsibility for the Alliance’s advising portfolio as well as day-to-day operations. Formerly a senior development officer at the University of Chicago, she joined the Alliance in 2015 with more than two decades of experience advising philanthropists and foundations, and fundraising for science. 

“Valerie has proven herself a leader of the science philanthropy community, through her dedication to meeting the needs of our members, philanthropists, and foundations interested in supporting basic science,” said Marc Kastner. “I look forward to working with her and all of our members in the next phase of our mission to increase private support for basic science research.”

“Valerie and Marc have provided extraordinary leadership since they joined the Alliance two years ago. Alliance membership has tripled under their leadership, and increasingly philanthropists and foundations are seeking the Alliance’s help as they consider and develop their approach to giving for basic science,” said Bob Conn (no relation), Chair of the Alliance Board and President and CEO of The Kavli Foundation. “The Alliance‘s mission from the beginning has been to help increase private support for basic science research.  This mission is more important than ever, and all our Alliance members look forward to Valerie and Marc leading the Alliance forward.”