Kim Patterson Joins Alive as Chief Advancement Officer
Published on January 29, 2025
Bringing Proven Leadership and Passion for Philanthropy to Support Alive’s Mission

Alive is proud to announce that Kim Patterson has joined the organization as its new Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). With a distinguished background in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Kim brings a wealth of expertise and a strong passion for connecting communities with meaningful causes.
Kim’s career began at Delta Air Lines, where she excelled in sales and management after earning her B.A. and M.S. degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. While thriving in the corporate world, she actively served on multiple boards and volunteered with various charities. This experience inspired her to pursue a full-time leadership role in the nonprofit sector, where she has made a significant impact.
Prior to joining Alive, Kim held leadership positions at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she served as Executive Director, Vice President of Corporate Development, and Senior Director of Strategic Planning. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards for her innovative fundraising strategies and achievements.
As Alive’s first Chief Advancement Officer, Kim will oversee fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement efforts to support the organization’s mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care and grief support for patients and their families.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Patterson as our first Chief Advancement Officer,” said Kerry Hamilton, President and CEO of Alive. “Her leadership, fundraising expertise, and personal connection to hospice care make her an invaluable addition to our team. As we approach our 50th anniversary, Kim’s passion and vision will be instrumental in helping us grow our mission and deepen our impact in the community.”
Kim is excited to join Alive and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: “I am deeply honored to join Alive and to help further its 50-year legacy of care and compassion,” Kim stated. “Having experienced the impact of hospice care firsthand when my father was in hospice, I understand how vital this work is. I look forward to connecting with our community and growing the resources needed to ensure that every patient and family receives the support they deserve.”
With her expertise in building meaningful donor relationships and her strategic leadership, Kim will play a crucial role as Alive prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. She is passionate about sharing Alive’s powerful stories with a broader audience to increase awareness and support for our mission.