Notre Dame Academy has announced the appointment of Emily Cahill Lusk as director of advancement, bringing an accomplished fundraising professional and NDA alumna home to lead the school’s advancement efforts.
Lusk brings experience in fundraising, major gifts, capital campaigns, donor engagement, special events and community partnerships. She will provide strategic leadership for Notre Dame Academy’s Advancement Office, including fundraising, annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, special events and alumnae relations.
“Emily brings exactly the combination of experience, relationship-building and genuine commitment to mission that we were looking for in our next Director of Advancement,” said Jane Kleier, chief communications officer of Notre Dame Academy. “What makes this appointment particularly meaningful is that Emily understands firsthand the transformative impact of a Notre Dame Academy education.”
A 2005 graduate of Notre Dame, Lusk was a member of the Panda volleyball program before continuing her athletic career at Belmont University in Nashville, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Journalism.
Most recently, Lusk served as advancement manager for St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, where she provided strategic leadership for the organization’s $12 million-plus Hands of Hope Capital Campaign. Her responsibilities included campaign planning, major gift strategy, donor cultivation and stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving and board Engagement.
Prior to joining St. Vincent de Paul, Lusk spent nearly nine years with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, including her work with the St. Elizabeth Foundation. There, she helped lead fundraising events generating more than $700,000 annually and secured philanthropic support through major gifts, sponsorships, planned gifts and annual fund initiatives.Throughout her career, Lusk has focused on building relationships and connecting donors and community partners with organizations and causes that make a meaningful difference.
“For me, advancement has always been about relationships. It starts with listening, getting to know people and understanding why they care about an organization and its mission,” Lusk said.
“As an alumna, I already know how special Notre Dame Academy is, and I am excited to reconnect with our alumnae, families, donors and friends and build new relationships along the way. I want people to feel connected to NDA and to understand the important role they can play in helping our mission continue for the next generation of young women.”
Lusk joins Notre Dame Academy during a significant year in the school’s history as NDA celebrates 120 years. Her appointment supports the school’s continued focus on strengthening its relationships and philanthropic partnerships.
“Advancement is ultimately about relationships,” Kleier said.“It is about connecting people who believe in our mission with opportunities to make that mission possible. Emily understands that deeply, and we are excited about what her leadership will mean for NDA.”
Notre Dame Academy