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Catherine Squires
President and CEO, NIU Foundation - Vice President for University Advancement, Northern Illinois University
Professional Background
Catherine Squires is a seasoned leader in the realm of fundraising and university advancement, bringing decades of experience to her current role as the President and CEO of the NIU Foundation. Her career reflects a dedicated commitment to enhancing educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. At Northern Illinois University, she not only serves as the CEO of the foundation but also holds the esteemed position of Vice President for University Advancement. This dual role exemplifies her leadership capabilities and her passion for fostering philanthropic partnerships that benefit the university's community.
Before her tenure at NIU, Catherine made remarkable contributions at Tufts Medical Center as the Vice President for Development. Here, she played a crucial role in developing strategies and initiatives that significantly boosted fundraising efforts, allowing the medical center to enhance its capabilities and care for its patients. Her time at Tufts highlighted her ability to cultivate relationships and secure vital support for health initiatives.
Moreover, Catherine has an impressive track record with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago as its Chief Advancement Officer. This role required innovative thinking and a profound dedication to community service, underscoring her commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, especially in times of crisis. Prior to that, she served as the Vice President of Development at Advocate Health Care, where she adeptly managed fundraising campaigns that ensured the sustainability and growth of health services.
Catherine’s early career included influential positions like Director of Development at The Youth Campus, where she dedicated her efforts to supporting youth programs, and Executive Director at the Illinois Chamber Symphony, where her leadership helped elevate the appreciation of the arts within the community. Throughout her professional journey, Catherine has developed a deep understanding of how to harness the power of community support and build lasting relationships in various sectors.
Education and Achievements
Catherine Squires boasts a robust educational background that has greatly influenced her career trajectory in advancement and development. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Northern Illinois University, a credential that not only reflects her passion for music but also her high level of discipline and commitment to excellence. This foundation in the arts has allowed her to cultivate a unique perspective in her professional roles, advocating for the importance of the arts in education and community engagement.
Furthering her academic pursuits, Catherine holds a Master of Music in Musicology from Northwestern University. This advanced study sharpened her analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling her to approach challenges with creativity and depth. The knowledge she gained in musicology has enhanced her ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and has enriched her understanding of cultural narratives, which is advantageous in her current leadership roles.
Notable Achievements
Catherine Squires has consistently demonstrated excellence in her field through an array of notable achievements that contribute to her esteemed reputation in university advancement and nonprofit leadership. One of her hallmark successes includes spearheading transformative fundraising campaigns that have yielded multimillion-dollar endowments and grants, enhancing educational programs and services.
In her current role at the NIU Foundation, Catherine has been pivotal in cultivating important donor relationships and establishing new initiatives that foster a spirit of giving within the NIU alumni community. Her strategic vision not only strengthens the foundation but also enhances the overall impact of the university's mission to support students and academic excellence.
Her leadership has also been recognized through numerous awards and accolades from various professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to professional development and advancement in fundraising practices. Additionally, her involvement in regional and national associations has allowed her to share insights and best practices with her peers, further elevating the standards of advancement in education and nonprofit sectors.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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