Leslie Hutchens

Leslie has more than 25 years of experience helping advancement offices of independent schools and colleges build engagement and grow philanthropic resources in support of the schools’ missions and visions.

No two schools are the same. Fundraising strategies need to be unique as well.”

About Leslie

Leslie provides guidance and expertise to independent schools, helping them grow their philanthropic revenues and enabling them to acquire the resources to achieve their mission.

Throughout her career, Leslie has:

• Led the development team at a large K-12 independent school through the successful completion of its first capital campaign in over 20 years.
• Redesigned the strategy and execution of annual giving and parent engagement at an East Coast girls’ boarding and day school, resulting in increased financial support and participation in a comprehensive campaign.
• Provided strategies and training to the board of trustee members, supporting the execution of successful campaigns.

Prior to joining Huron, Leslie served as director of development at Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia. She also held roles at independent schools, including The Madeira School, Sidwell Friends School, and The Haverford School, and universities, including George Mason University, the University of Richmond, and Hollins University.

Leslie earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hollins College (now Hollins University). She is a certified fund raising executive (CFRE) through CFRE International.

Leslie has been a longtime volunteer for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). She has chaired and presented at numerous CASE conferences, each time earning Stellar Speaker honors and, in 2017, earning the CASE Crystal Apple for Excellence in Teaching. She has served on the planning committee of the CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference twice and, in 2019, was awarded the status of CASE Laureate for her service to the profession and CASE. She is a former Development Committee Chair of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW).