Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Hires Tim Kennedy as Chief Development Officer
Seasoned non-profit and development leader joins executive team to lead the organization through a period of growth to continue helping families get better together.
Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) welcomed Tim Kennedy as the organization’s new Chief Development Officer. On the heels of RMHC-CNI’s 45th anniversary year and as the organization continues to grow its reach and services, Kennedy will serve in a critical role, forging meaningful connections with supporters and raising important funds that allow RMHC-CNI to support the more than 8,000 families who come through its doors every year.
Kennedy joins RMHC-CNI during a period of growth, as the organization expands its services and locations within the Chicagoland area, including a new Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital that opened in August 2022. In his role, he will be responsible for the planning and execution of development efforts and growing the organization’s revenue streams through strategic donor relationships, event fundraising, corporate partnerships, foundation grants and more. Kennedy brings a wealth of experience and connections to RMHC-CNI, which will allow him to cultivate a portfolio of prospective donors and engage with the philanthropic community to further RMHC-CNI’s mission.
“I’m honored and excited to join the RMHC-CNI team as Chief Development Officer and to work alongside a tremendous team to advance the mission and capabilities of the organization,” said Tim Kennedy, Chief Development Officer, RMHC-CNI. “I believe deeply in the impact Ronald McDonald House has on its community and families, and I look forward to growing that impact in the coming years.”
A seasoned leader in the Chicago non-profit community, Kennedy most recently served as Chief Advancement Officer for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund where he oversaw all aspects of advancement for the organization, including fundraising, board stewardship, communications and marketing. He also worked with HUB Philanthropic Solutions as Assistant Vice President, providing strategic council to non-profit organizations and executives. Kennedy is an RMHC veteran, having previously spent over 15 years with the organization’s global office, last serving as Senior Director of Development until 2015.
“We are thrilled to have Tim at RMHC-CNI to lead our development team and grow our community of donors,” says Holly Buckendahl, CEO, RMHC-CNI. “Tim is deeply rooted within the giving community and as a former member of the RMHC global team, he brings a wealth of knowledge of our mission that will enable him to quickly engage with long-term supporters, as well as bring new individuals and companies alongside so that we can continue to give families a home away from home and a network of support while caring for their hospitalized child.”
Kennedy is also an active member of the community, supporting various organizations and causes throughout Chicagoland including Loyola University Council of Regents Board Member, Swim Across America Chicago and Old St. Patrick’s Church. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife reside in Chicago with their three children.