Kim Churches

Kim Churches is The Washington Center’s fourth President—and first female in the role—as of October 2021.

Kim brings nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit and higher education administration, joining the organization after serving most recently as the chief executive officer for the American Association of University Women (AAUW). In her 4 1/2 year tenure leading AAUW, a national nonprofit advancing gender equity, she developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure the organization’s mission focus, bolstering AAUW’s actionable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while enhancing financial sustainability and impact.

Prior to her work with AAUW, Kim served as the managing director for the Brookings Institution, an internationally recognized think tank. In that capacity, she strategically guided Brookings, providing vision and problem-solving skills while focusing on expansive partnerships, external relations, and advancement. Her accomplishments at Brookings built on prior successful efforts as associate vice chancellor at the University of Denver and director of development at the University of North Florida. Kim has extensive experience working collaboratively in education as well as on capacity building for national and international nonprofits.