Mary Kathryn Levy Named Director of Development

Mary Kathryn joins GPS after serving as the Director of Philanthropy at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, where she worked closely with major and individual donors. She has firsthand experience connecting donors to their passions through philanthropic giving. Prior to moving to Chattanooga in 2019, Mary Kathryn held development and fundraising roles at Vogel Alcove in Dallas, Texas, at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and at Mobile Baykeeper in Mobile, Alabama.

Throughout her career, Mary Kathryn has demonstrated a passion for creating positive social impact and building strong relationships within her community. Her dedication to philanthropy and community engagement continues to drive meaningful change and inspire those around her. She attended an independent coed school in Mobile, Alabama, and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Auburn University. Mary Kathryn serves as a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters and on the Coalition Growth Committee for Voices for a Safer Tennessee, and she plans to now volunteer with United Way.

Mary Kathryn replaces Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83, who departed GPS at the end of the school year after an incredible tenure as a volunteer and staff member. Mom to Tara ’14 and Torin ’17 (McCallie), Lisa volunteered in the GPS Development office for more than 15 years, then served on the Board of Trustees for eight years. Lisa’s devotion to GPS and passion for fundraising led her to the GPS Development team in June of 2018, first as Major Gift Officer, then as Director of Development from 2021. In her six years, Lisa strengthened development efforts to bring GPS to the highest levels of support across annual, capital, deferred, and other leadership projects. Lisa’s professionalism and managerial skills position Mary Kathryn for a seamless transition into her role.

“I am incredibly grateful for all Lisa has done for GPS, not only over the past six years, but for the last four decades as a loyal alumna, parent volunteer, and trustee,” says Ali Gant, Chief Advancement Officer. “Through her various roles and titles, she helped foster a positive culture for alumnae and parents and for us as her colleagues. We knew finding her successor would be no easy feat. We were so impressed by Mary Kathryn’s experience in higher education and her roles with donor relations, volunteer management, and women’s philanthropy. As we close out a banner year in fundraising and community engagement, she is the right person for GPS as we move forward with myriad exciting strategic initiatives. We are thrilled to welcome her to this amazing team of leaders committed to advancing our mission.”