Kelly Watson Joins Chatfield College as Director of Development

Kelly has joined Chatfield College as the Director of Development at both the Brown County and Over-the-Rhine campuses. She will be responsible for Chatfield’s development efforts, including the annual campaign, corporate and individual giving, foundation and corporate grants, planned giving, and the alumni association.

“I am so happy to be back in this new capacity. Chatfield has a deep sense of place and purpose—the students, staff, donors and friends of this small, but mighty community have a dedication and spirit that truly inspires. It is an honor to serve the Chatfield College mission and help students achieve a better future for themselves and their families.”

Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Previously serving as the grants officer at Chatfield, Kelly played an integral part in many current initiatives such as the launch of the online learning platform, the mentoring and tutoring programs, fundraising in support of the Learning to Live grant, and the renovation of the Welcome Center on St. Martin’s campus. She brings extensive experience in development with nonprofit organizations including the Greater Cincinnati American Red Cross, the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, and the Living Classrooms Foundation in Maryland.  As an Educator for Cherry Ridge Farms Therapeutic Learning Programs, she was part of the teaching team that received a 2017 Exceptional Achievement Award for the W.E.S.T. program with the Western Brown School District.

President John P. Tafaro said, “We are pleased to have Kelly rejoining the Chatfield team. She has shown both an understanding of, and commitment to, our Mission and our students. She is a proven fund-raiser, and ready to take on the important responsibility of leading our Advancement Department.”

Kelly grew up in the US, Iran, Nigeria, England, and Turkey. She and her husband, James, reside in Batavia and have two children.

Chatfield College is a private, faith-based, liberal arts college offering the Associate of Arts degree in Brown County and Cincinnati, and is an open enrollment college. The Brown County campus is located at 20918 State Route 251; St. Martin, OH 45118; the Cincinnati campus is located in historic Over-the-Rhine at 1544 Central Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, visit the website, at www.chatfield.edu, call (513) 875-3344 or e-mail admissions@chatfield.edu.