Ann Louden

Beginning the day of her undergraduate graduation, Ann Louden has been a leader in the field of advancement. For more than 30 years, she has led programs in alumni administration, development, capital campaign planning, major and principal gifts, strategic planning, and community partnerships.

She has done it all: from peeling the backs off of nametags to moving furniture and hauling boxes to asking for seven-figure gifts and speaking to audiences of thousands of people. From grant writing, relationship building, encouraging and managing staff, building relationships with prospective donors of great wealth, and conceptualizing, directing, and producing compelling video messaging, Louden is as comfortable imagining the stretch vision as in nailing the smallest detail. She cares about it all.

Louden is a connector and a catalyst of change, motivating others by investing in authentic and committed relationships. Her reputation for building bridges, being politically savvy, and communicating with honesty and directness has earned her both loyalty and friends.

Louden has authored two books, one being "Mom... You Just Need to Get Laid: The Adventures of Dating After Divorce" under the pen name Kate Somerset and "From Social Courage to Connection: Lessons From Leaders Who Change & Save Lives," which is coming soon. "Mom... You Just Need to Get Laid" explores finding the courage to start a new chapter in life. Her newest book that has yet to be released is "From Social Courage to Connection," which reveals leadership lessons from interviews of 20 accomplished connector/leaders around the country.

Her many honors and awards recognize her compelling leadership and connection skills, memorable teaching, speaking, writing, and humorous look at the world.