Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga is a visionary leader, accomplished fundraiser, and passionate advocate for nonprofit organizations with over four decades of professional experience. With a proven track record in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and nonprofit board development, Dr. Zúñiga has dedicated her career to empowering institutions to create sustainable and impactful change. Her expertise spans philanthropy, higher education, museum operations, and community development, making her a sought-after consultant and mentor in her field.
As the founder of Kelly Zúñiga Consulting, she specializes in providing advisory services focused on donor-based philanthropy, capital projects, strategic planning, and endowment campaigns. Dr. Zúñiga’s work is centered on strengthening organizations from within, fostering collaboration among leadership teams, and developing innovative solutions to drive success. Her extensive experience working with nonprofit boards, corporations, and associations has positioned her as a trusted partner in the nonprofit and business communities.
Dr. Zúñiga’s leadership journey includes a decade-long tenure as CEO of the Holocaust Museum Houston, where she oversaw a $52 million capital campaign that transformed the Museum into the only fully bilingual Holocaust museum in the United States. Under her guidance, the Museum expanded its physical footprint by 36,000 square feet, increased visitor engagement to over 100,000 annually, and provided educational programming to more than 48 school districts. Her impact at the Holocaust Museum Houston earned her recognition as one of the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs in 2019.
In addition to her consulting and leadership roles, Dr. Zúñiga is an accomplished educator, serving as an adjunct lecturer at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government & Public Service and Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. She has taught courses on nonprofit management, philanthropy, and fundraising, inspiring future leaders to make meaningful contributions to society. Her teaching has been recognized for its depth of knowledge, innovative strategies, and commitment to student success.
Dr. Zúñiga’s professional affiliations include her roles on the Board of Directors for St. Luke’s Health System-Texas Division and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter, where she chairs the Education Committee. She is also a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class of XXXIV) and an active member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership. Throughout her career, she has contributed her expertise to numerous boards and committees, including the Houston Museum District Association and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Her commitment to community service and professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the M. Anne Murphy Award for Professional Advancement and being named one of Houston’s “50 Most Influential Women” by Houston Woman Magazine and Texas Executive Women 2024 Women on the Move. These awards highlight her ability to inspire, lead, and foster growth within organizations while maintaining a steadfast focus on their core missions.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Zúñiga is a strong advocate for personal growth and mentorship. She has participated in initiatives such as the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s Development Committee and the St. Laurence Catholic Church Adult Faith Formation Committee, demonstrating her dedication to fostering meaningful change at all levels of society. Her personal interests include tennis, gardening, hiking, and traveling, which reflect her dynamic and well-rounded approach to life.
Dr. Zúñiga’s educational background includes a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, an MBA from the University of San Diego, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from San Diego State University. She also holds the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, underscoring her expertise in fundraising and development.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Zúñiga has presented on topics such as donor stewardship, nonprofit board development, and strategic fundraising at conferences and events nationwide. Her ability to engage diverse audiences and share actionable insights has made her a respected voice in her field.
Dr. Zúñiga’s enduring legacy is defined by her character, knowledge, strategic acumen, and exceptional communication skills. Her unwavering dedication to empowering organizations, mentoring future leaders, and fostering collaboration ensures that her impact will continue to resonate across the nonprofit sector for years to come.
Character:
Dr. Zúñiga exemplifies integrity, dedication, and a passion for service, fostering collaboration and inclusivity within every organization she touches. Her character is a cornerstone of her success, inspiring trust and respect among her peers.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of expertise in fundraising, nonprofit management, and leadership development, Dr. Zúñiga offers unparalleled insights that empower organizations to achieve their missions. Her depth of knowledge has shaped impactful solutions for nonprofits worldwide.
Strategic:
Dr. Zúñiga’s strategic mindset has led to transformative campaigns, such as the $52 million expansion of the Holocaust Museum Houston. Her ability to align resources with goals ensures sustainable growth and long-term success for the organizations she serves.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Dr. Zúñiga excels in engaging diverse audiences through public speaking, board development, and educational initiatives. Her clear and compelling messaging inspires action and drives meaningful change.
