Stamford, CT – Americares, the health-focused relief and development organization, has welcomed Stephanie Kauffman as its new deputy development director, strategic partnerships.
In this role, Kauffman is responsible for scaling the growth of corporate, foundation, individual and public fundraising initiatives, as well as cultivating strategic partnerships. Kauffman will lead the organization’s partnerships growth strategy, new partnership models and broaden engagement with corporate, foundation, public, pharmaceutical and health partners.
“Stephanie brings a wealth of experience directing strategic partnerships and has an incredible track record of creating impact and growth for iconic brands in various industries, including health care,” said Americares Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Jenny Goldstein. “She is a dynamic and innovative leader and will be instrumental in continuing our momentum and helping to bring our donors closer to Americares mission.”
Prior to joining Americares, Kauffman served as the chief partnerships officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, where she led revenue growth and brand visibility through best-in-class partnerships, including the landmark Blizzard Entertainment x Overwatch “Pink Mercy” gaming alliance, which raised a record $12.7 million in two weeks from the global gaming community.
Prior to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Kauffman was a longtime marketing and brand partnerships executive at Universal Studios, a division of NBCUniversal. She held the role of senior vice president, global alliances for Universal’s worldwide film, home entertainment and theme parks business units. Under her leadership, Universal formed partnerships with global brands on blockbuster film and theme park integrations, sponsorships and marketing campaigns including the multi-year Fast & Furious film franchise partnership with Fiat Chrysler’s Dodge brand.
“Strategic partnerships play such a vital and necessary role in scaling the depth and breadth of work Americares does every day to improve the health of people in communities affected by poverty or disaster,” said Kauffman. “I am honored to work with this team to take our efforts to the next level at a time when emergency health needs have never been more front and center.”
Kauffman earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida Southern College. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the International Women’s Media Foundation, which champions strengthening women’s roles and voice in global media. She lives in Westchester County, N.Y., with her husband and three stepchildren.
