Nanci Kauffman brings to CCS 35 years as an educator, a leader, and a fundraiser in independent schools. Nanci’s extensive experience and deep knowledge in the education sector bring invaluable insights to our work in California, throughout the West Coast, and across the country. Over the span of her career, Nanci has been at the helm of innovations in mission-driven programs, strategic planning, fundraising, and stewardship.
During her time as Head of School at Castilleja in Palo Alto, Nanci launched the Innovation Investment Fund to transition the school to 21st Century Learning. In partnership with philanthropic donors, she initiated numerous programmatic enhancements across all areas of the school – positioning Castilleja as a leader in STEM education, community engagement and global entrepreneurship. Nanci spearheaded the vision and the case for support that led to Open Their World – a capital campaign that raised over $95 million to rebuild Castilleja’s campus. As a new member of Team West, Nanci has already provided guidance to support several CCS projects for independent schools, including Brandeis School of San Francisco, Keys School in Palo Alto, and the Center for Early Education in West Hollywood.
Nanci earned her MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and received her BA in Psychology from Vassar College. Nanci is dedicated to developing women as leaders, is actively engaged in the Feminist Majority Foundation, and has spent the majority of career in all-girls schools. As an advocate for single-gender education, she is a founding trustee of Field Middle School for Boys in Belmont and serves on the Board of Presentation High School in San José. With two married children, Nanci and her husband Scott are happiest on a beach with their two grandchildren.
Select Client Partners
- Brandeis School of San Francisco
- Center for Early Education
- Keys School