Indianapolis, July 17, 2025 – A principled and steadfast professional, Marsha Grady, CFRE has led the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation as chief development officer for the last eight years with integrity and innovation at the forefront. In addition to transformative fundraising initiatives that have significantly expanded the Foundation’s impact, her tenure is marked by consistent growth in donor engagement, major gift acquisition and strategic campaign execution.
It is for her visionary leadership and passion for the work that Marsha has been recognized as the 2025 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional. Her award will be presented on Tuesday, Aug. 26, during the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Awards of Distinction Program, part of FFE Seminar.
Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Maree Lattanzi shared, “A self-described ‘data geek,’ Marsha is deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence. She actively participates in industry events, contributes to thought leadership, and encourages her team and volunteers to pursue growth and development. Thanks to her efforts, our board is more informed, engaged and effective — better equipped to serve our mission and community.”
Marsha’s vision for the future of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation included the largest comprehensive capital campaign in the organization’s history, a vision that she worked tirelessly to bring to fruition. The Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign was launched in 2022 with the goal of raising $30 million to empower the real, strong women of Alpha Chi. Fundraising efforts aimed to expand and improve programs, sustain collegiate chapter success, support individual members and continue the fight to prevent domestic violence. In 2024, Alpha Chi celebrated raising $34.1 million from 28,000 donors, far surpassing the goal of this ambitious campaign.
Before leading the Alpha Chi Foundation, Marsha volunteered for Alpha Chi Omega for more than three decades, serving as the Fraternity’s national president from 2008-2012. In addition to her volunteer service to the Fraternity and leadership of the Foundation, Marsha has served as a member of the FFE Board of Directors since 2018, holding the role of president since 2024.
“Marsha is widely respected by her peers for her integrity, creativity and unwavering dedication to mission- driven work. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marsha is a mentor, collaborator and thought leader. She shared generously of her time and expertise, uplifting others across the fraternity movement,” said FFE Past President and Delta Upsilon Fraternity & Educational Foundation Executive Director Justin Kirk, and FFE Board Director and Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation Chief Development Officer Ryan King.
Support and admiration for Marsha runs deep throughout the fraternal community. With nomination letters submitted by industry partners, peers and colleagues, as well as numerous from Alpha Chi sisters (some whom she counseled years ago as a chapter advisor), it is clear that Marsha has left an indelible mark on the interfraternal industry.
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is proud to present Marsha with the 2025 William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional Award and looks forward to her continued leadership and advocacy for the fraternal experience following her retirement later this year.
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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.
