Luminaries: Patty McIlreavy of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Register for This Event
Members-Only Free Event
About
Join IPA for a Luminaries session featuring Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, a nationally recognized leader in advancing effective and equitable disaster giving.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in humanitarian policy, response, and recovery, McIlreavy will share insights on how philanthropy can strengthen outcomes for communities before, during, and after crises. The session will highlight lessons from global disaster contexts and the evolving role of philanthropy in supporting long-term recovery.
In this session, you will:
- Gain insight into effective philanthropic approaches to disaster response and recovery
- Explore how equity and community-centered strategies can improve disaster-related outcomes
- Learn from real-world humanitarian and philanthropic leadership experiences
- Consider philanthropy’s role in strengthening coordination, accountability, and long-term resilience
Patty McIlreavy
President & CEO, Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Patty McIlreavy is president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the only full-time resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact in response to disasters. Her leadership emphasizes strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and advancing recovery efforts that center communities and address inequities exposed by disasters.
Since joining CDP, Patty has led six consecutive years of record growth, strengthened and diversified the board, and helped secure major unrestricted philanthropic investments, expanding CDP’s reach and mission-driven impact.
With more than 30 years of experience in relief, recovery and post-conflict development, including 17 years living in Africa and the Middle East, her career has centered on strengthening systems, listening to communities, and improving how aid is delivered across domestic and global contexts.
Before joining CDP, she served as vice president of the humanitarian team at InterAction. She is a frequent speaker and media contributor, a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, and a recognized voice in disaster philanthropy. She believes good intentions are not enough and that communities recover with dignity when power and partnership are shared.
About Luminaries
Luminaries is a dynamic call series designed exclusively for IPA members to connect with leading minds and influencers shaping philanthropy and public life. This unique platform invites you to engage directly with thought leaders. This isn’t a presentation. Luminaries is a dialogue, designed for IPA members to engage directly with influential leaders. Ask questions, share perspectives, and explore how philanthropy can support responsible use of AI to advance community impact.
Each session provides an intimate, informal setting where you can ask questions, share observations, and gain insights on the critical issues shaping Indiana's communities. These conversations transcend traditional webinars, fostering meaningful dialogue to inform your work.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with those driving impactful change. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future.
This series has featured leading minds like author and The Center for Effective Philanthropy President Phil Buchanan, Indiana Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner, and Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver.
30 Mar 2026
Virtual