Kathleen Spiess, most recently Senior Director of Major Gifts at The Morton Arboretum, has been appointed Vice President of Development at the institution. Promoted to her new role, Spiess now leads the development program, which builds philanthropic support for the Arboretum’s mission-related work in tree science and conservation. As a nonprofit organization and the world’s leading tree-focused botanical garden, the Arboretum advances initiatives locally and globally for the planting and protection of trees through plant collections, education and public outreach programs, and scientific research. Among its supporters are 45,000 members and one million annual visitors.
In her new role, Spiess oversees all aspects of development, including giving and membership programs, to support the growth and advancement of the Arboretum as The Champion of Trees. Under her direction is the concluding phase of a $63 million campaign, Growing Brilliantly, which is raising funds for new initiatives to ensure the future of trees and the benefits they provide for people, communities, and the environment.
Spiess joined the Arboretum in 2014 after holding development positions in higher education and health care. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. She resides in Elmhurst, Ill.
About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center located in Lisle, Illinois. As the champion of trees, the Arboretum is committed to scientifically-informed action, both locally and globally, and encouraging the planting and conservation of trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world. On 1,700 acres are 222,000 plant specimens representing 4,650 different kinds of plants, along with specialty gardens, educational exhibits, the award-winning Children’s Garden, 16 miles of hiking trails and the Visitor Center, featuring The Arboretum Store and the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café. The Morton Arboretum is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, welcoming more than 1 million visitors and serving 44,900 member households in 2016. Learn more at mortonarb.org.
