Plan International USA hires Katherine Williford as chief development officer

WASHINGTON, D.C. Feb. 6, 2024 — Plan International USA has hired Katherine Williford as chief development officer. In this role, Williford will oversee all private giving, as well as brand and communications.

Williford is a seasoned executive with experience in scaling nonprofit organizations for transformational impact. She joins Plan following five years at Water For People, where she served most recently as Chief Growth Officer. While at Water for People, Williford grew giving by more than 100% over three years. Throughout her career, she has worked for organizations and campaigns focused on food access; literacy and education; and water and sanitation.

“I’ve seen firsthand how women and girls are disproportionately impacted by poverty, the global water crisis, climate change and lack of access to health care,” Williford said. “And I also know that girls have a unique ability to build solutions that create a better world for themselves and for all of us. I’m inspired by the way Plan puts girls in the driver’s seat to achieve this change, and for the opportunity to support millions of girls in doing just that.”

As the chief development officer, Williford will oversee individual giving teams that manage one-time gifts, emergency response, child sponsorship, major donors, planned giving and other forms of reoccurring giving. She will support the development of relationships with corporate and foundation partners through grants, staff giving and audience engagement, as well as Plan’s signature Takeover experiences, in which young people step into the role of an executive for a day. In addition, Williford will be responsible for setting strategic direction for brand and communications.

“I am thrilled to welcome Katherine to Plan and expand Plan’s expertise in private giving and fundraising,” Plan International USA’s CEO and President Shanna Marzilli said. “Her experience working with donors to support girls’ access to clean water and other essential rights will broaden our base of supporters for girls’ equity. This will allow even more girls to be safe, educated and economically successful.”

Williford will officially join Plan on Feb. 26.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Maria Holsopple

Director, Communications & Creative Services

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 540.383.3628

About Plan International USA

Powered by supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls, young women and children around the world to overcome oppression and gender inequality. We provide the support and resources that are unique to their needs and the needs of their communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety. Founded in 1937, Plan is an independent development and humanitarian organization that is active in more than 80 countries.

For more information, and to learn about our commitment to safeguarding, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.