Kelsey Petersen (who goes by Kelse) joined the advancement team at American Ancestors as the Leadership Giving Officer in January 2022. As a fundraiser for the organization, she works with individuals and foundations to philanthropically support the organization’s operating budget, Art & Architecture programming, American Inspiration Author Series, Youth Education Curriculum, and 10 Million Names. She considers herself a “matchmaker,” connecting members and donors to areas of the organization that speak to their heart. Together, they build a program of support that aligns with their philanthropic priorities all the while advancing the mission of American Ancestors.

Before coming to American Ancestors, Kelse worked in alumni relations and fundraising at Gann Academy in Waltham. Previously, she was a grant writer and arts programming specialist for Cheza Nami Foundation in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also taught several semesters of art history at Emerson College and Massachusetts College of Art & Design. She has her master’s degree in art history and museum studies from Tufts University and her BA in art history from UCLA.

In her spare time, Kelse enjoys biking, reading, visiting museums, and learning more about her Scandinavian and New England ancestry. She volunteers as a board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Massachusetts Chapter) and is also a member of Women in Development of Greater Boston. In 2023, she was awarded the American Ancestors Employee of the Year for Outstanding Service.