Indianapolis, July 17, 2024 – An ethical and stalwart professional, Maggie Coons demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in fraternal philanthropy. In her 20 years working for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation — five as executive director and 15 as director of planned giving — she championed the mission of the organization, encouraged staff development and made a lasting impact on industry peers.
It is for her professionalism and enthusiastic leadership that Maggie is being recognized as the 2024 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Professional. Her award will be presented on Tuesday, Aug. 20, during the FFE Awards of Distinction Program, part of FFE Seminar.
“Whether in donor meetings, board meetings, and even casual team conversation, Maggie’s commitment to the value of the member experience was always paramount. And her 20-year tenure at the Kappa Foundation is a true testament to her dedication to a member-focused mission,” said Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Board President Peggy Black Meyer.
Over the years Maggie experienced organizational challenges and changes and navigated the Kappa Foundation through a worldwide pandemic, but she didn’t let anything stop her in pursuit of delivering on the mission of funding programs that fulfill the evolving needs of women. Just a few of Maggie’s accomplishments include:
- Launching the Founders Day Giving Challenge which in the first two years raised $1.64 million from more than 5,750 donors including alumnae, undergraduate chapters, alumnae associations and non-members.
- Cultivating major estate gifts including two seven-figure bequests; one that established the Marisol Scholarship which annually covers all educational expenses for up to four Kappa members, and one that funds all operational needs of Kappa’s founding location, The Stewart House, now an interactive historical museum in Monmouth, IL.
- Spearheading the digitization of Kappa’s archives so all members have access to Kappa’s rich history.
In support of her nomination, Kelly Wesley Taylor, partner at Taylor Bell Consulting, shared, “Maggie was the heart of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and during her tenure she embodied the qualities of a truly exceptional leader. She possesses a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate others while building strong relationships. Maggie is known for her care and generous spirit, always pushing forward to innovate in fundraising practices and providing support for staff and donors. A true team player, she valued the contributions of each member and actively sought input, facilitating a shared sense of ownership and purpose within the team.”
With letters of support from more than 12 interfraternal peers, Kappa staff and donors, it is clear Maggie made a lasting impact on both Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Greek community at large. Maggie retired as executive director in 2023, but her legacy is the spirit care and connection she fostered within the organization as is made evident by constant fond references in conversations with Kappa Foundation donors across the country.
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is proud to present Maggie with the 2024 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Professional Award and looks forward to celebrating the lasting impact her work for the Kappa Foundation has made on Kappa sisters’ life-long membership experience.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR FRATERNAL EXCELLENCE
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) cultivates a culture of care, provides connections and supports research across the fraternal community. Often known as the “heart” of a fraternal organization, foundations and fundraising professionals come together to comprise membership and benefit from programs, services and resources for fraternal fundraising. FFE also provides operational support for established, new and emerging fraternal foundations and works hand-in-hand with several fraternal communities to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience.
