The Kinexion Network Appoints Patrice Panza as Executive Director of Philanthropy

The Kinexion Network has announced the appointment of Patrice Panza as its new Executive Director of Philanthropy, bringing nearly three decades of fundraising leadership and strategic advancement experience to the organization. Panza will lead all philanthropic initiatives across the Kinexion Network, strengthening and expanding the resources that Kinexion offers to support more than 6,500 people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As Executive Director of Philanthropy, Panza will oversee a comprehensive advancement strategy, including major and planned giving, institutional grants, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement. She will play a critical role in aligning fundraising efforts across Kinexion’s network of seven not-for-profit organizations, building a unified and sustainable model for long-term growth and impact.

“Kinexion represents a powerful vision for collaboration and shared services in the nonprofit space,” said Panza. “I am honored to join an organization so deeply committed to enhancing the lives of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role is an incredible opportunity to build a philanthropic program that not only sustains, but significantly expands, the reach and quality of services provided across the network.”

Panza joins Kinexion following her role as Associate Vice President of Philanthropy at Sarah Lawrence College, where she led a team of 10 professionals and oversaw all aspects of advancement, including major and planned gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, and advancement services. Under her leadership, the team consistently raised $10 million annually.

Her career includes a series of high-impact leadership roles across higher education and nonprofit institutions. At Adelphi University, she developed and implemented a unit-based fundraising model that generated $12 million. At Long Island University, she played a key role in a $200 million comprehensive campaign, leading efforts that produced $23 million annually. She also served as co-lead of a $100 million campaign at YMCA of Greater New York.

Earlier in her career, Panza held the role of Senior Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where she built a strong foundation in development and donor engagement.

In addition to her institutional leadership, Panza has served as a fundraising consultant to world-renowned cultural organizations, including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company, advising on donor research, grant writing, capital campaigns, and board engagement strategies.

“Patrice brings an exceptional track record of building high-performing philanthropic programs and leading transformational campaigns,” said Walter W. Stockton, President and CEO of The Kinexion Network. “As Kinexion continues to grow, her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our fundraising capabilities and ensuring we have the resources necessary to meet the evolving needs of the people and families we serve. Her vision and experience will help elevate our impact across the entire network.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Kinexion as it continues to strengthen its role as a collaborative support organization, providing critical infrastructure and services that empower its member agencies to focus on care, innovation, and community impact.