Kirsten Halker-Kratz

Head of Development and Donor Relations

Kirsten Halker-Kratz is The Lenfest Institute’s Head of Development and Donor Relations, where she works on growing a comprehensive fundraising program to support The Lenfest Institute’s mission of building solutions for the next era of local news.

She previously worked at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development, where she was the assistant dean of development and alumni relations. As the head of the College’s fundraising team, Halker-Kratz stewarded a portfolio that prioritized major gift donors to the college. She grew and managed the alumni board and Board of Visitors while serving on the scholarship reception committee, strategic action plan committee, and the Constance Clayton Urban Education Award committee. 

Halker-Kratz began her nonprofit career in the arts and culture sector at Settlement Music School, where she held various roles in administration and development during her twelve-year tenure, ultimately leading the school’s individual giving program and completing a $25 million anniversary campaign.  

She served as executive director of the Chester Children’s Chorus before returning to Philadelphia to join the fundraising team at Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence. Halker-Kratz created the agency’s first planned giving program, restored the alumni association, and served as liaison to all five regional boards, each of which required unique fundraising and recruitment strategies.  

An active performer and accompanist, she is the director of music ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church, Havertown.