Katheryn Koessel abides by the Winston Churchill saying, “We make a life by what we give.” She believes that volunteering is everyone’s obligation and that by working together, we can significantly improve the lives of people in our communities and throughout the world.

For 30 years, Kathryn has helped others through her work with The Junior League, first as a Member of the Junior League of the City of New York (NYJL) and later as a Member of the Junior League of Minneapolis (JLM) where she is currently a Sustainer. As a Junior League of Minneapolis Member, she served as President, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Vice President of Community Programs, and Chair of the Cookbook Fundraising Committee. In the New York Junior League, she was Transfer Chair, Winterball Fundraising Director, and Music Adventures Committee Member.

Examining the breadth of her volunteer and professional experiences, Kathryn is most proud of her ability to speak up and make the best decision for the organization, regardless of its popularity. As President of the Junior League of Minneapolis, she and the Board made tough decisions to create a more financially stable organization, including selling and moving headquarters and replacing several beloved fundraisers. With the help of Sustainers, they also enhanced the public profile of the League by building stronger relationships with community leaders and creating a Community Advisory Community.

Beyond The Junior League, Kathryn’s volunteer experience includes consulting for The Acceleration Project, a nonprofit focused on creating a more equitable economy. Using the skills she gained in The Junior League, she served as an interim group lead for Moms Demand Action, increasing active membership to improve education and advocacy for common sense gun laws. She is also active in her local community, having chaired the Edina Educational Foundation Board, serving as PTO President of Edina High School, and sitting on the Board of the Fraser School, the Friends of the Minneapolis Museum of Art, and the Wellesley College Club of Minnesota.

Most recently, Kathryn was Head of Investor Relations, Vice President, for the Kellogg Company. In this role, among other responsibilities, she led a global investor relations program for a Fortune 200 multinational consumer food manufacturer, advising on financial, strategic, and crisis management issues impacting shareholder value.

Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Wellesley College and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Columbia Business School.