Stephanie Carroll is a nonprofit leader with nearly 30 years of experience in philanthropy, strategic fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. As Chief Development Officer at Collaborative for Children, she leads the organization’s philanthropic strategy to expand access to high-quality early childhood education across Greater Houston.
Stephanie joined Collaborative for Children in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in major giving, grantmaking, corporate sponsorships, donor engagement, and strategic planning. In her current role, she steers the organization’s development initiatives with a future-focused lens—building sustainable partnerships, increasing community investment, and aligning fundraising with the agency’s mission to prepare young children for success in a rapidly changing world.
Prior to joining Collaborative for Children, Stephanie served as Development Director at Discovery Green Conservancy, where she directed philanthropic strategy for the high-profile downtown park for over six years. Her leadership strengthened individual giving, corporate partnerships, and board engagement, all while enhancing the Conservancy’s public programming and civic impact.
Stephanie has also held senior fundraising roles at Da Camera of Houston and Houston Public Media, where she led campaigns for arts, culture, and public broadcasting. Her background in media, communications, and community-based storytelling equips her with a unique ability to inspire donors and cultivate mission-aligned support across various sectors.
Stephanie holds a Master’s degree in Studies of the Future from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she focused on long-range scenario planning and strategic foresight. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Public Relations from Texas Woman’s University, laying the foundation for her strengths in narrative, engagement, and public speaking.
An advocate for emerging voices in the arts, Stephanie previously served as a board member for Rec Room Arts and is a graduate of Rice University’s Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives. She remains committed to advancing equity and opportunity for children through philanthropy that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and community-rooted.
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