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Peggy Cook
Chief Advancement Officer at Poly Prep Country Day School
Professional Background
Peggy Cook is an accomplished Director of Annual Giving with extensive experience in the primary and secondary education sector. Her career is characterized by a steadfast commitment to enhancing educational opportunities through effective fundraising and community engagement. Currently serving as the Chief Advancement Officer at Poly Prep Country Day School, Peggy has a proven track record of leveraging her skills in nonprofit organizations, business development, public speaking, social media, and annual giving to drive impactful fundraising initiatives.
Throughout her career, Peggy has held significant positions that have honed her expertise in annual giving strategies and community outreach. Previously, she was the Director of Annual Giving at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, where she managed impactful fundraising programs that fostered strong relationships with donors and ensured the sustainability of vital educational programs. Peggy's role as the Annual Giving Manager at Crossroads School equipped her with the foundational skills necessary for development and donor relations.
Peggy's passion for education and philanthropy is evident in her volunteer roles. She formerly served as the Chair of the Georgetown Scholarship Program in Los Angeles at Georgetown University, where she worked diligently to support students in accessing higher education opportunities. Additionally, her tenure as Vice Chair of the Annual Giving Parent Leadership Team at Harvard-Westlake School showcased her dedication to fostering a supportive school community.
Education and Achievements
Peggy's educational background is impressive and diverse, having earned a Master’s Degree in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. This advanced degree provided her with the global perspectives and strategic insights necessary for navigating the complexities of fundraising and organizational leadership in the nonprofit sector.
Her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University encompassed German Language and Literature and French Language and Literature. This liberal arts education equipped Peggy with strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity, critical attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to her success in building relationships with diverse donor bases and educational communities.
Peggy's involvement in various organizations highlights her leadership capabilities and commitment to social impact. As the Founder of The Good Karma Collection, she demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit while making meaningful contributions to community service. Her role as a Fundraiser at Seven Arrows Elementary School further solidified her adeptness in engaging parents and community members in the fundraising process.
In the corporate realm, Peggy held significant positions that complemented her nonprofit experience. As a Business Development Consultant at the World Trade Center Chicago, she developed strategic relationships and contributed to business growth, skills that have been invaluable in her nonprofit endeavors. Earlier in her career, Peggy also gained experience as a Sales Manager at Brook Furniture Rental, where she showcased her capability to drive sales and manage client relationships effectively.
Notable Accomplishments
Among her many achievements, Peggy has consistently driven substantial growth in annual giving, creating sustainable models of support for the institutions she has served. Her innovative approaches to donor engagement and her commitment to cultivating long-term relationships have resulted in successful fundraising campaigns that directly benefit educational programs and services.
Peggy's speaking engagements at various nonprofit conferences have established her as a thought leader in the field of annual giving and development. She frequently shares her insights on effective fundraising strategies and the importance of community involvement in supporting education.
Through her roles, Peggy Cook exemplifies the values of leadership, dedication, and community enhancement. Her ongoing commitment to fostering educational excellence through substantial fundraising efforts is inspiring, and her ability to connect with stakeholders is a testament to her professionalism and expertise.