Kurn Hattin Welcomes Beth Ross as New Director of Development

Ross brings decades of leadership in education, youth services, and philanthropy to her new role

WESTMINSTER, VT — Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Ross as its new Director of Development. A seasoned nonprofit executive with a deep background in education, human services, and community partnership, Ross will lead fundraising strategy and donor engagement for the organization.

“Beth has done a lot of work with children and families,” said Executive Director Sue Kessler. “She has a deep understanding and proven track record of helping organizations become better. Beth brings a great blend of child and family experience, fundraising background, and creative strategic thinking, all with a genuinely thoughtful, kind demeanor.”

Ross’s career has spanned roles in public education, university advancement, nonprofit leadership, and executive coaching. She has held senior positions at Fryeburg Academy in Maine and Stanford University’s Haas Center for Public Service, and served as Executive Director of multiple community-based nonprofits in California. She has launched numerous community schools serving primarily low-income Spanish-speaking students, helped to create teen resource and wellness centers, and forged early literacy partnerships among child care centers and schools, among other accomplishments.

In her new role, Ross will oversee all aspects of development at Kurn Hattin, helping to expand the school’s reach and build a stronger philanthropic community around its mission.

“Early on, as she gets to know Kurn Hattin people and processes, Beth will focus on restructuring our development efforts, looking at both staffing and strategy,” Kessler noted. “I think the experience and vision she brings will strengthen what we do.”
Ross brings not only professional expertise, but also a personal connection to the values Kurn Hattin embodies. “I’m grounded in community. I grew up in a small, rural community in the Adirondacks a lot like Westminster, Vermont,” she said. “I’m excited to give back to the kinds of people I grew up with.”

During her campus visit as part of the interview process, Ross was struck by the compassion and care shown by staff. “When I toured Kurn Hattin, I was impressed by how kind and compassionate people here are, connecting to the children with extraordinary caring,” she said. “I’m excited to hear people’s stories, and to learn what connects them to Kurn Hattin.”

Looking ahead, Ross is focused on building relationships with donors who share the school’s belief in opportunity and lifelong growth. “I want to introduce Kurn Hattin to a much broader audience, and encourage them to get to know and invest in our children’s success,” she said. “I wish to impress upon donors that they can have a deep, profound impact on the life of a child—one that has a ripple effect on that child’s family and community.”

Kessler added, “She has a natural ability to draw people in, making them feel heard and valued. As she connects with existing and prospective donors, she will effectively communicate how our model exemplifies what can be achieved when communities come together to support children and families.”

Ross sums up her new role with characteristic thoughtfulness and optimism: “I think about my own new beginning here, and how much I will gain by being part of this community. I love how children can gain access to all there is here while remaining engaged with their families.”