Meet Meaghan Kilian: A Dedicated Fundraiser Committed to Growing a Culture of Giving at Carroll

Meaghan Kilian joins Carroll School this week as Executive Director of Advancement. 

Meaghan comes to Carroll with over 15 years of advancement experience in higher education, environmental nonprofits, and independent schools. Most recently, she served as the Director of Major and Principal Gifts at St. Mark’s School in Southborough. While at St. Mark’s, Meaghan oversaw all strategy and frontline fundraising activity for a team that raised over $112M as part of the Lives of Consequence campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in St. Mark’s history.

Meaghan holds a B.A. in Economics and Sociology from Trinity College and an MBA in Public and Nonprofit Management from Boston University.

We sat down with Meaghan to learn more about her.

Q: How did you find your way to Carroll School?

My journey to Carroll actually started on the sidelines of a preschool soccer game where I struck up a conversation with Kate Collins, Upper School Division Head, as we watched our kids play. Kate’s passion for Carroll was infectious and she encouraged me to consider learning more about the school and the Executive Director of Advancement position. After discussions with several other faculty, staff, and trustees, I was convinced that Kate was right; Carroll is indeed a very special place!

Q: What does an Executive Director of Advancement do?

The Executive Director of Advancement is responsible for envisioning and executing the fundraising strategy that will help Carroll School achieve its next phase of growth. In this role, I will lead the Advancement team in partnership with the Head of School, colleagues across Carroll, and volunteer leaders to grow annual revenue and long-term capital investment. Beyond raising funds, the Advancement team plays a key role in engaging parents, alumni, and friends in the life of the school. I look forward to getting to know the whole Carroll community, near and far.

Q: Carroll works to nurture a "culture of giving." What does this mean to you and why is it important?

A culture of giving involves understanding the impact of philanthropy and celebrating generosity in all of its forms. We give generously to organizations that are meaningful to us, and we give in a variety of ways—through our time, advocacy, and philanthropy. The impact of past and present generosity to Carroll is evident in all the ways that the School is exceptional—its educators, staff, and programs, and the way that it changes the lives of its students.

Q: What would you like to accomplish in your first year?

I am so lucky to be joining a team that is already quite accomplished and to have the opportunity to build upon a very strong advancement foundation. The success of the recent If Not for Carroll Campaign and the growth in the Annual Fund over the past several years speaks volumes about the commitment of the Carroll community, both internal and external. In my first year, I plan to complete the team by hiring two new staff members, to meet and get to know as many members of the Carroll community as possible, and to lay the groundwork for significant growth in fundraising over the next several years.

Q: What does belonging mean to you?

Brené Brown defines belonging as “being part of something bigger, but also having the courage to stand alone and belong to yourself above all else.” I find this definition particularly relevant for a school like Carroll, where every student, teacher, parent, staff member, etc. contributes their own unique strengths and differences to the common cause of learning, growing, and supporting one another.

Q: What are a few fun facts about your life outside work that you'd like to share with the Carroll community?

I live in Boxborough with my husband, Kevin, our daughters, Alexandra (5) and Lydia (1.5), and our 80 lb. hound dog named Leo. In our free time you will usually find us hiking on the trails in town (led by Leo), or bopping around the local playground circuit.

⭐️ Share a welcome email with Meaghan at: mkilian@carrollschool.org.