“To rest is to rust.”
Katharine Hazard Flynn is a dynamic and visionary leader whose career spans over four decades of achievement across finance, higher education, economic development, and corporate engagement. Guided by a personal philosophy that champions growth through continual motion and innovation, she has built a reputation as an exceptional connector between industry, academia, and government. Katharine’s professional journey reflects not only a mastery of business strategy and development but also a steadfast commitment to community advancement and institutional excellence.
Throughout her career, Katharine has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive organizational transformation and forge partnerships that deliver measurable impact. As the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the Executive Director of the University of Rhode Island Business Engagement Center (URI BEC), she has been instrumental in redefining the relationship between the university and the private sector. Under her leadership, corporate and foundation fundraising at the University of Rhode Island grew from under $1 million to more than $8 million annually—a testament to her strategic insight and leadership acumen.
At URI, Katharine’s efforts have extended far beyond fundraising. She has cultivated a collaborative ecosystem that unites business, research, and education, helping to position the university as a critical driver of innovation and economic growth in Rhode Island. In 2013, she launched the URI Business Engagement Center, an initiative that serves as a vital bridge between industry and academia. This pioneering effort was recognized with the Innovation in Education Award from Providence Business News in 2015. Through this work, Katharine has championed partnerships in defense, biotechnology, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing, while also fostering entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary collaboration across campus.
Her leadership extended into public service as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce for the State of Rhode Island, where she played an influential role in aligning educational institutions with statewide economic development goals. In this capacity, she helped develop strategies that attracted new businesses, encouraged innovation, and strengthened collaboration among Rhode Island’s thirteen colleges and universities. Her work supported the growth of emerging industries, the revitalization of local economies, and the creation of new opportunities for students and entrepreneurs alike.
Before her tenure in public and higher education leadership, Katharine built an exceptional career in finance, beginning in New York’s competitive bond markets. She served as a top-producing Director of Institutional High Yield Bond Sales at Toronto Dominion Securities and Societe Generale, where she marketed high-yield bonds to major institutional investors including Putnam, Fidelity, and Eaton Vance. Earlier in her career, she was a founding member of Alex Brown & Sons’ High Yield Bond Department—helping grow the team from three employees to more than fifty. Her consistent recognition as a leading producer underscored not only her technical skill but also her deep understanding of client needs, industry trends, and market strategy.
Katharine’s business expertise transitioned seamlessly into her work in economic development. At the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, she rose to become Director of Business Development, managing a team of twelve and overseeing initiatives in workforce development, site selection, financing, and government procurement. Her team led more than fifty active projects aimed at retaining and attracting corporations to the state, while coordinating with universities, chambers of commerce, and government agencies to ensure the long-term economic vitality of Rhode Island. Her leadership in this role solidified her as one of the state’s foremost advocates for business growth and innovation.
Her academic background from Brown University, where she earned her A.B. in Mathematical Economics, provided the foundation for her analytical and strategic approach to leadership. Katharine’s unique ability to blend quantitative insight with human connection has made her an indispensable figure in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She is deeply committed to fostering environments where strategy and empathy coexist, and where collaboration leads to tangible success.
Beyond her executive roles, Katharine has maintained a strong presence in civic and community leadership. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Year Up Providence and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, contributes as a judge for the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, and is an active member of the South County Hospital Business Advisory Group. Her service reflects her belief that leadership extends beyond the office—it’s about investing in the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Women in Business Awardee by Providence Business News in 2022. She also chairs the Innovation Providence Implementation Committee for the Greater Providence Chamber and has served on boards for institutions such as the Moses Brown School and the South County Hospital Investment Committee. Through each of these roles, Katharine continues to embody her lifelong dedication to excellence, innovation, and purposeful leadership.
Today, as the Executive Director of the Hazard Family Foundation, Katharine carries forward her legacy of impact—guiding philanthropic efforts that strengthen communities, advance education, and promote sustainable growth. Whether developing strategic partnerships, mentoring young leaders, or advising organizations on corporate engagement, she approaches every endeavor with the same conviction that has defined her career: meaningful progress is built on relationships, vision, and action.
Character:
Katharine Flynn is defined by integrity, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose. She approaches every professional challenge with authenticity and humility, earning the respect of peers and colleagues alike. Her steady leadership reflects a deep belief in service and a commitment to doing what is right—not just what is easy.
Knowledge:
With over forty-five years of professional experience, Katharine brings a depth of expertise that spans multiple sectors—from finance to academia to economic development. She possesses a rare ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable strategies that drive growth. Her extensive knowledge base allows her to bridge diverse industries and foster collaboration across traditional boundaries.
Strategic:
Katharine’s career is a study in strategic innovation. She has consistently identified opportunities for growth and transformation, whether building new departments, launching university-business partnerships, or advising state leaders on economic policy. Her forward-thinking mindset ensures that the organizations she leads remain adaptive, competitive, and aligned with long-term vision.
Communication:
A gifted communicator and relationship builder, Katharine connects with audiences from boardrooms to classrooms with equal ease. Her clarity, empathy, and confidence make her an influential voice in both business and community leadership. Through every stage of her career, she has demonstrated the power of communication to inspire trust, collaboration, and progress.
