Crystal Daugherty is a senior advancement leader and educator with three decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact through philanthropy. She serves as Associate Vice President of Advancement and Campaign Director and teaches “Philanthropy and Fundraising in the Nonprofit Sector,” a core course in the Nonprofit Management program.
In the classroom, Ms. Daugherty brings her real-world experience to life, helping students build the skills and confidence to lead strategic, values-driven fundraising efforts. She is passionate about preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders to think critically about the role of philanthropy in advancing equity, expanding access to education, and strengthening communities.
Her career spans grassroots social advocacy organizations, foundation relations at MIT, and development leadership at Year Up in Boston. She went on to hold senior development leadership roles at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Wellesley College, where she served as Vice President for Development. Her work reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to women’s colleges and their role in advancing opportunity and leadership.
Ms. Daugherty earned a BA from Smith College and an MBA from Simmons. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and creative pursuits. She lives in Amesbury, Massachusetts, with her wife and their sons on a small organic hobby farm, where they care for dogs, chickens, and honey bees, and attempt to grow flowers and food.