Kristen Cometto-Russ currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Kids Kicking Cancer, appointed by the Board of Directors on January 1, 2025. Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief Strategy Officer, having joined the organization in August 2023 as Chief Development Officer. Ms. Cometto-Russ brings over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, specializing in building robust infrastructure and leading strategic initiatives that foster long-term organizational sustainability.
Before joining Kids Kicking Cancer, Ms. Cometto-Russ served as Director of Philanthropy for both the School of Business Administration and School of Nursing at Oakland University. During her tenure, she led successful major gift fundraising efforts, aligning with the university’s $150 million capital campaign, while also managing school boards of directors and overseeing auxiliary boards.
Ms. Cometto-Russ’s professional experience also includes roles as Director of Development, Membership and Special Events at Culture Source; Director of Annual Giving and Membership Programs at Cranbrook Institute of Science; Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Cranbrook Schools; and Director of Development at Detroit PAL.
A collaborative and servant-focused leader, Ms. Cometto-Russ fosters a culture of teamwork, creativity, and adaptability, while consistently striving for excellence. She possesses a strong ability to mentor and motivate teams, empowering them to achieve their full potential and realize ambitious goals. Ms. Cometto-Russ has a proven track record of effectively collaborating with boards of directors, executive leadership teams, and key stakeholders to build consensus, drive strategic decision-making, and position organizations for long-term financial success.
Ms. Cometto-Russ holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts from Oakland University, a Certificate in Leadership from the Leadership Academy at Oakland University, and two Certificates in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). She is the recipient of three Prime Manager Awards, recognizing her exceptional performance as a front-line fundraiser nationally.
Ms. Cometto-Russ currently resides in Lake Orion, Michigan with her husband and son.
Read a special message from Kristen Cometto-Russ here.
