Karen Dempsey Volke
Outstanding Fundraising Executive
2009 National Philanthropy Day

Karen Dempsey Volke has a very special talent. As a fundraiser, she can “make the ask” while connecting on a personal level, make a compelling case for support and continue to maintain a personal relationship with the donor through the years. Once you are in her contact list, you can never escape!

Karen has earned a distinguished reputation for successful fundraising in the greater Dayton region. She began her career at United Cerebral Palsy where she served as Director of Development and Public Relations. She helped move the agency from “event centered” fundraising to an agency with a comprehensive development program.

She worked many years for Dayton Children’s where she advanced her skills while touching many lives for an organization she continues to hold dear.

As the Senior Development Officer for the Kettering Medical Center Foundation, Karen established the Ribbon of Hope Society and created the Ribbon of Hope Luncheon; both continue to raise funds for underinsured women and men to receive quality mammography services.

Karen is currently the Director of Development and Community Relations for the YWCA Dayton where she once served on the Board of Directors. She is a graduate of Leadership Dayton Class of 1996 and is past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Dayton Region Chapter.

As one of her nominators states, “Karen has been a role model for dozens of less seasoned development professionals…she helps them understand both the science and the art of fundraising and eagerly shares every good trick in her bag. The role of a good leader is to create more leaders. Karen scores big points on that one!”

Karen is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She and husband, Edward, reside in Washington Township with their beloved dogs, Clancy and Claire.