Kristin Bertell is chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope®, one the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. As a member of City of Hope’s executive leadership team, Bertell leads enterprise-wide philanthropy strategy, aligning philanthropic investment with City of Hope's long-term growth, research priorities, clinical expansion and mission impact.
Bertell leads a team of nearly 300 philanthropy professionals and oversees one of the nation's most comprehensive healthcare-fundraising programs. Working closely with executive leaders, physicians, researchers, donors and volunteers, she helps secure philanthropic resources to accelerate innovation, expand access to care, advance groundbreaking research and support strategic initiatives across City of Hope's national network.
Since her recruitment in 2015, Bertell has led City of Hope to become one of the nation’s top destinations for philanthropic talent and investment. Her dynamic leadership has launched record-breaking fundraising initiatives and paved the way for the organization’s most transformative gifts. As a result, City of Hope is consistently recognized among Forbes’ Top 100 Charities. Looking ahead, Bertell aspires to do even more — with plans to help City of Hope raise $600 million annually by 2030.
Throughout her 30-year career in nonprofit fundraising, Bertell has received numerous honors for her leadership and impact. In 2024, she was recognized as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy.” That same year, Fierce Healthcare named her a “Women of Influence” and she was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times’ “Inspirational Women Awards.” She is also a frequent speaker at regional and national professional association and industry conferences and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
Previously, Bertell held leadership and fundraising positions with 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 a Bachelor of Arts in history from UCLA. She also holds a master’s degree in communication management from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC.
