Kate Jaeger-Thomas Appointed CEO, Founder Peter Heller Transitions to Strategic Advisory Role

Big changes are happening here at the Heller Fundraising Group.

We’re excited to announce Kate Jaeger-Thomas, who previously served as Consulting Services Director, as our first CEO. Our founder, Peter Heller, will remain actively engaged with our team and clients, and will continue to provide strategic advice.

This leadership evolution is a natural next step for us. When Peter founded the Heller Group more than two decades ago, he wanted to use his experience as a fundraising strategist to help nonprofits raise more money than they ever thought possible. Even as the organization grew to include a team of experienced fundraising strategists and a network of trusted collaborators, we never lost sight of our commitment to putting people first. 

“In many ways, this transition began three years ago when I recruited Kate to join the Heller Group with an eye toward the firm’s long-term evolution,” Peter says. “She understands what our clients are carrying—the pressure, the expectations, the responsibility to get it right. And for me, this shift creates space to spend more time on other interests while remaining closely involved with the firm as a strategic partner to Kate and to our clients.”

Our clients are true partners, whether we’re guiding you to launch a $2 million or $200 million campaign or helping you maintain your fundraising momentum even as you balance other priorities. That won’t change. In fact, this next chapter only strengthens our ability to support clients with consistency, responsiveness and care.

You’ll have the same access to senior strategic counsel, paired with a leadership structure that delivers consistent partnership, honest advice, and results that last long after a campaign ends. Peter will continue to bring his strategic vision and one-of-a-kind voice. Kate, who understands the pressures and expectations our clients face, will lead you through an increasingly complex fundraising environment. 

As part of this transition, Megan Hodges is also being promoted to Consulting Services Director. Megan will work closely with consultants and leadership to strengthen the client experience.

“Our work is about more than reaching a dollar goal; it’s about partnering with nonprofit leaders to strengthen the communities they serve through dreaming bigger than they ever thought possible,” Kate says. “I’m excited to work with Peter and our outstanding team as we grow our national presence in campaign consulting.”

Read more about our leadership transition in our press release.