Kate Tkacik Sweeney is an accomplished Strategist, Social Transformation Advocate, and Philanthropic Leader recognized for her expertise in advancing equity and driving societal change. Sweeney is committed to promoting equitable opportunities, resources, and outcomes by reshaping the philanthropic landscape and reimagining the government’s role in advancing access.

Sweeney has demonstrated her leadership and expertise as a program developer, librarian, and researcher at community-centric organizations throughout her 15-year career. Currently serving as the Director of Foundations and Government Relations at St. John’s College, Sweeney spearheads strategic funding initiatives and forges partnerships with private foundations, government agencies, and corporate entities to drive community progress. 

Sweeney extends her influence nationally through board memberships for organizations such as EveryLibrary and the American Library Association. And she serves on several local boards, including the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center, Democratic Club, and Queen Anne’s County Social Services Advisory Board. By driving values-based initiatives, enriching learning, and advocating for capital liberation, she actively impacts her community while inspiring those beyond it.

At Candid, formerly Foundation Center and GuideStar, she served as the Director of Network Engagement and strategically expanded the Funding Information Network, which enables over 400 libraries and nonprofit resource centers to provide complimentary access to financing, grants, and resources that make philanthropy possible for nonprofits worldwide. Most notably, Sweeney successfully implemented the groundbreaking “Visualizing Funding for Libraries” project, earning her the prestigious 2016 Knight Foundation News Challenge award.

Her ability to balance priorities from institutional to departmental levels has solidified her reputation as a transformative, foundational leader throughout her career. From her experience fueling communities at financial powerhouses like BMO Capital Markets to empowering others at organizations like Chicago’s Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Sweeney’s leadership has consistently been driven by purpose.

She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Saint Bonaventure University and a Master of Library & Information Science from Dominican University. Her love for fitness, adventure, and family fuels her, and her thought leadership, allyship, and authorship inspires those around her. 

Motivated by a desire for all people to thrive, Sweeney is advancing equity within the entities our communities depend on most. And is rallying those within reach to drive ripple effects of impact and progress everywhere.