Patti Q. Connolly

As an executive, I have notable success guiding discussions on how to lead and govern in the 21st century. While supporting and contributing to multiple Boards of Directors, I have brought energy and transparency to the task of nonprofit governance.

My background is a rare blend of corporate and nonprofit leadership. Through my varied experience, I have gained a unique perspective on the critical role that a Board of Directors has in steering an organization to success. Regarded as an influential thought leader, I guide companies through pivotal decisions and periods of significant change.

During my early career, I advanced through a series of positions at the financial services firm PNC Financial Corp. This culminated with my role as Group Vice President for the firm’s retail and private banking group. Here, I gained a firm grasp of the various principles that underpin the Corporate world.

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I applied my business acumen to the nonprofit sector, holding executive roles at prominent institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I infused nonprofit operations with new efficiency and cost-effectiveness that streamlined processes and positioned long-term success. My contributions during this period included driving a 60% increase in annual donations to the country’s oldest natural history museum.
 

Between 2008-2020, I served as Executive Director of Drexel University’s Raj & Kamla Gupta Governance Institute (formerly the Center for Corporate Governance). I was heavily involved with the non-profit sector while consulting various Boards of Directors.
 

I established two flagship programs that strengthened the discourse and education on new governance areas and secured a $5 million naming endowment to ensure a sustainable, long-term future for the Institute. 

 

Board Experience:

• Public Financial Management Foundation

• Shore Medical Center | Shore Memorial Health Systems

• National Association of Corporate Directors, Philadelphia Chapter

• PNC Bank, Women’s Financial Services Network Advisory Board

• Chestnut Hill College

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