The Presbyterian Historical Society is proud to announce Kim A. Shiley as our new Director of Development. She begins her work at PHS today.
“Kim brings years of experience as a director of development and an executive director for organizations in Philadelphia,” said the Reverend Dr. Beth Hessel, our Executive Director and the Associate Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of the General Assembly. “She also has a deep faith background. We all look forward to working with her.”
Shiley will oversee fundraising operations, including annual fund, membership, grants, and major gifts programs. She has identified “building the infrastructure for a comprehensive development program with a focus on major gifts” and “working closely with the PHS Board, Advisory Council, and Rev. Hessel” as two of her early focuses.
“Beth and I connected in our very first conversation and I am excited to be working with her,” Shiley said. “I know we will make a great team!”
Donations to PHS supplement the per capita support we receive from the national church. As the national archives of the PC(USA), PHS collects, preserves, and shares the story of American Presbyterianism with mid councils, congregations, and individuals. We were founded in 1852.
“I am a lifelong learner who loves all things academic,” Shiley said, “so I am excited and fascinated by the mission and important work of PHS, its historic significance, and the critical role it plays within the national church. Finding a position in a faith-based organization with core values and beliefs that are closely aligned with mine was truly a winning combination.
The wife of a retired Episcopal priest, Shiley hopes to use her knowledge of church culture and stewardship to grow support for the society and strengthen our financial future. During her previous position as chief development officer at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, Shiley rebuilt advancement infrastructure in keeping with what she called “a rigorous strategic planning process.” PHS launched our own strategic plan initiative in 2015.
“I know there are already some exciting things happening at PHS and I look forward to learning more and working with the staff to build this program together,” Shiley said.
Shiley is a dedicated musician who holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. She currently serves as vice president of the board of The Crossing, an internationally renowned, Grammy-nominated professional chamber choir based at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church. She is also a mentor for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.