Kim Fortney

Deputy Director @National History Day

College Park, MD

As deputy director, I participate in long-range planning, policy and program development, fundraising initiatives, partner cultivation, and organizational decision making. I interact with the Board of Trustees, affiliate leaders, donors, government agencies, private partner organizations, and outside professionals. I have developed partnerships resulting in in operating and in-kind support. I direct and evaluate the annual national contest for people, including over students. I supervise staff, interns, and dozens of volunteers. I negotiate contractual relationships with vendors and recruit and train over 400 judges annually from the breadth of the history and education communities. I lead NHD\'s engagement with 57 independent affiliates through relationships that are strengthened by frequent communication and collaboration. My work in this area includes: managing the collection of affiliation fees and disbursement of support funding, as available; directing biannual professional development conference for affiliate coordinators; creating and presenting online and traditional training to coordinators and sponsoring institutions; and recruiting affiliate-level sponsoring institutions, as needed. To improve understanding of program reach, I developed and implemented annual affiliate-wide data collection tools. I articulate the rationale for data collection, and analyze and communicate results. I regularly seek input and feedback from coordinators and incorporate their needs and suggestions into future materials and initiatives, including customization to address unique situations. I proudly represent National History Day through ambassadorship with kindred organizations, field-wide initiatives, and presentations at professional conferences.

Westminster College (PA)

B.A., History/ Secondary Education

Columbia Business School

Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals

Duquesne University

M.A., History/Museum Studies