Courtney K. Ford

Senior Strategist

Courtney is a nonprofit consultant, who champions artists and advocates for the creative economy and its social impact. She believes in the power of art to drive social change, foster innovation, and improve the wellbeing of humankind.

With 19-years of progressive leadership experience, she specializes in turnaround management and growth planning. She has consulted on, managed, and staffed campaigns ranging from $1 – $550MM.

As Miami City Ballet’s Chief Development Officer, Courtney raised over $240MM in three years through a comprehensive campaign, general obligation bond referendum, and legacy gift commitments. She led a team of 15 people and grew annual fundraising from $10 – $17.5MM. She’s also held fundraising roles at The Boys’ Club of New York, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art, and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Courtney’s consulting clients include: Alliance Française de Pittsburgh, Atmashatki Trust, CueBox, Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet, New York Philharmonic, and South Florida Symphony. She also serves as an executive coach to Board Chairs, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders.

Courtney is a Certified Fundraising Executive and featured speaker at Center for Nonprofit Excellence, PhilanthropyMiami, Teachable NYC, and CCS Fundraising. She has undertaken advanced coursework at Harvard Business School, University of Pennsylvania & National Arts Strategies, and University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Exposure to art as a child changed the course of her life, so Courtney is relentless in her dedication to sharing the transformative and healing power of art with as many people as possible and building a more inclusive philanthropic sector.

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