- Advancement
- Team
Lynn McNair
Chief Advancement Officer
lmcnair@gds.org
202-295-1060
As Chief Advancement Officer, C. Lynn McNair provides oversight for our School’s external affairs, including development, communications, alumni engagement, and community relations.
Lynn brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit world, setting strategy, developing fiscal capacity, establishing partnerships with foundations and individuals to enhance philanthropic giving, and honing her expertise as a communicator. Lynn most recently served as the Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships for the Alliance for Excellent Education, a national policy and advocacy organization working to ensure that all at-risk middle and high school students receive the support they need to meet challenging academic standards, graduate from high school and college, and develop the necessary skills and capacity to become productive citizens in the global economy. Previously, Lynn served in leadership roles at the Internet Society, the Salzburg Global Seminar, the American Association of University Women, and the National Governors Association. She serves on the Board of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and co-founded and co-chaired the African American Women’s Giving Circle of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.
In addition to her deep experience in strategic leadership, marketing and external relations, fundraising, and relationship building, Lynn has two adult children, Marcus and GDS alum Sasha '10. In Lynn's spare time, she loves to read, go for long walks, and spend time with close friends over a good glass of red wine.