Eleanor Kootsey

Eleanor Kootsey

Grounded in experience and integrity, Eleanor provides strategic counsel for nonprofit leaders and staff during times of launch, growth, or stagnancy. She serves as a trusted thought partner helping clients strengthen their organizations so they can raise money and do their work in the world. 

Eleanor joined CIMA after a serving in a variety of fundraising and executive roles. She began her career in arts administration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Eleanor launched the first two expansion sites for Girls For A Change, and the Richmond, Va. expansion for Higher Achievement. As a consultant, she has also helped the Fountain Fund, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, Network2Work USA, the United Way of South Hampton Roads, Nashville Ballet, and Small World Yoga raise new funding and further develop their organizational infrastructure. She received a B.A. from Northwestern University and studied at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Eleanor lives with her family in Roanoke, Virginia where she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Roanoke City Public Schools Education Foundation.