Faces of Philanthropy: Karen Monteleone
Karen Monteleone
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church
Chair, Board of Directors
WPGC Member
St. Katharine Drexel Society Member
Karen is an accomplished board and nonprofit executive with extensive experience building relationships that ensure organizations excel in their missions, especially during times of significant change. For nearly two decades, Karen has worked with a diverse range of community leaders, C-suite executives, and other influential volunteers to help advance the goals of the institutions they serve. In 2023, Karen started Transform Governance LLC, a consulting practice that works with organizations to maximize board performance by conducting comprehensive governance assessments and providing strategic counsel to leadership. Before starting her own practice, Karen served as Assistant Vice President for Board Relations at the University of Central Florida, where she managed the university’s 13-member Board of Trustees responsible for policy decisions, performance, strategic planning, and fiscal management for one of the nation’s largest universities. Karen oversaw all board operations and worked directly with each member on the board’s activities, engagement, and philanthropy, drawing from her volunteer leadership with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and proven experience in community and corporate relations and leadership and development programs. Karen served as the primary staff liaison to the UCF board during its national presidential search in 2020, innovating new ways to virtually introduce candidates to the campus community in the early months of the pandemic. She also facilitated the board’s involvement in and adoption of a new five-year university-wide strategic plan to help UCF become a top 25 public research university.
She was initially connected with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida by Bob Holmes, former Foundation Board member, and fellow Parishioner (at the time) at Most Precious Blood. Karen is passionate about organizations whose mission serve any tenet of the Corporal Works of Mercy, especially those who serve individuals with special needs. In her free time, Karen enjoys cheering on her sons, Luke and Michael, at their sporting events.
Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Karen Monteleone:
Q: Why is giving through the Catholic Foundation meaningful to you?
A: Giving through the Catholic Foundation is meaningful because its mission is deeply rooted in serving our community and the needs of our diocese. It provides a powerful way to support Catholic ministries and initiatives—both immediately and for the long term—ensuring that we continue to advance God’s work today and for future generations.
Q: What’s a Scripture verse or saint that inspires your generosity?
As a member of the St. Katharine Drexel Society, I’m inspired by St. Katharine’s unwavering trust in the Lord and her wholehearted commitment to entrust her resources in ways that serve others.
Q: Who taught you about giving or stewardship?
A: I learned about giving and stewardship through the early years of my career in a foundation, where I had the opportunity to work closely with donors and board members. Their diverse approaches to philanthropy taught me a great deal about how people align their values with their giving. That experience deeply influenced me and inspired a personal commitment to prioritize and share the importance of giving with others.
Q: How do you see your role in shaping the future of Catholic philanthropy?
A: As a board member, I see it as part of our responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation. In a rapidly growing metropolitan area like Orlando, it’s important to create opportunities for people to participate in our faith mission and build legacies that reflect their commitment to evangelizing Catholic values.
Click here to learn more about our Board of Directors.