Krkich retires from 30-year fundraising career

Lorna Krkich, executive director of Development Services, will retire April 2, after more than three years of service to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Krkich joined ANR as executive director for Development Services in 2017 after building a 30-year career raising funds, executing strategic planning, and managing teams in the nonprofit sector.

She brought to ANR her passion for fundraising as a partnership, constantly seeking ways to grow fundraising revenue, improve processes and bring new donors to UC ANR.

“Lorna has had such a huge impact in her time with us and I will miss working with her,” said Glenda Humiston, vice president.    

Under Krkich's leadership, Development Services has added 1,000 new donors per year, increased the number of endowments, boosted the payout to ANR programs by almost $1 million, and enhanced the donor experience through improved gift platforms and increased stewardship. She put ANR on a path to reach its $30 million strategic plan goal. Most notably, Krkich has worked to build trust, transparency, and a culture of philanthropy throughout UC ANR to benefit programs and research.

Her retirement plans include volunteering at a local horse program and (hopefully) indulging her wanderlust to travel with her husband and visit friends around the world. “This past year has reminded me life is short. I realized that I want to retire while I can still muck out stalls and wear stilettos — not at the same time of course,” Krkich said.

Emily Delk, director of annual giving, credits Krkich with encouraging and inspiring her colleagues. “Anyone who worked with Lorna will miss her can-do attitude and sense of humor. Who else would dress up as a giant pink unicorn at the Halloween party? She inspired our team and colleagues to challenge norms and approach our work with tenacity and resiliency.”  

With Krkich's departure, Kathy Eftekari, chief of staff to the vice president, will oversee the Development Services team while recruitment is underway to fill the executive director position.

 

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