Robyn Kress
President, Ascension Foundation for Health Equity
Robyn joined Ascension in 2021 to establish the Ascension Foundation for Health Equity, bringing more than 20 years experience in fundraising, donor relationships and insight related to equity and inclusion to this new endeavor. A nationally sought after philanthropy expert, Robyn led marketing and event agencies, advising and supporting executive leaders and fundraising teams at elite organizations including Harvard Business School, Duke University, the Smithsonian Institution, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles to inspire high level giving for $1 billion+ fundraising campaigns.
Earlier roles at a Fortune 500 financial institution and a large public university inspired Robyn to focus her professional efforts on the role that private philanthropy plays in sparking innovative solutions that more quickly bring about a just future for people, families, and communities. Today, under her leadership, the Foundation pursues the vital work of addressing the root causes of health disparities in the United States – including stemming the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and working to create a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals that reflects the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the U.S.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Robyn holds a Professional Certificate of Fundraising Management from Goucher College and an Executive Certificate of Healthcare Management from Yale University.
Earlier roles at a Fortune 500 financial institution and a large public university inspired Robyn to focus her professional efforts on the role that private philanthropy plays in sparking innovative solutions that more quickly bring about a just future for people, families, and communities. Today, under her leadership, the Foundation pursues the vital work of addressing the root causes of health disparities in the United States – including stemming the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and working to create a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals that reflects the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the U.S.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Robyn holds a Professional Certificate of Fundraising Management from Goucher College and an Executive Certificate of Healthcare Management from Yale University.