Kristin Bertell

Kristin Bertell is chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope and a member of City of Hope’s Enterprise Leadership Team. In this role, Bertell provides strategic leadership for all aspects of City of Hope’s philanthropic efforts as the cancer treatment center and biomedical research institution enters a new era of growth and development. 

In her nine years as CPO, Bertell has been fundamental in orchestrating City of Hope’s philanthropic vision, building upon and growing City of Hope’s extensive grassroots network of philanthropic partners. In fact, all research, investments, expanded access and compassionate care at City of Hope can all be traced back to philanthropy.

Currently overseeing 250+ staff in executing a diverse portfolio of fundraising programs, Bertell has led the charge in evolving City of Hope’s 100-plus-year fundraising platform into the industry-leading, mission-driven philanthropic enterprise it is today.

With more than 30 years of expertise in nonprofit fundraising, Bertell has received multiple awards recognizing her work, including being named as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy” for 2024. She also was recognized by AFP San Diego Chapter for Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 2014. Bertell is a regular speaker at local and national professional association and industry conferences and is a certified fundraising executive.

Previously, Bertell served in leadership and fundraising positions for UC San Diego Health, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Keck School of Medicine of USC, the Greenwood Company and UCLA Health Sciences Development. 

Bertell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from UCLA. She also holds a master’s degree in communications management from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC.

• M.A., Annenberg School, University of Southern California