Kathleen Murphy Toms

Kathleen Murphy Toms has had a varied and extensive career in digital communications, fundraising, and philanthropy. In 2010, they founded K. Murphy Communications, a content creation business specializing in the nonprofit and philanthropic space. Kathleen also served as Director of Communications at Forefront (Illinois) from 2010-2018, where their roles included developing and leading Forefront's strategic communications, media outreach, public relations, digital strategy, and social media presence. In 2018, Toms joined GivingTuesday as Director of Digital Communications and later as Digital Communications Consultant. Kathleen also worked as a Consultant in Digital Strategy for The Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact | 92Y in 2018. In 2020, Toms became a Community Partner at 18 Coffees, and in 2022 they joined New York University as an Adjunct Instructor in the Heyman Program for Fundraising + Philanthropy, Center for Global Affairs. Toms has also held various positions in the past, including Assistant Manager/Optician at Village Eyecare from 2005-2009, Arts Administration and Development Intern at Evanston Art Center from 2009-2010, and Expat Outreach (field organizer) at Obama for America in 2007.

Kathleen Murphy Toms received their BA in Art History from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2006. Kathleen also received a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation from the same university in 2006. In 2009, they obtained a Grantwriting Certificate from the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, School of Nonprofit Management Studies.