Christine Lessard
Every month, RG175 spotlights one of the independent school leaders we've placed, taking a deeper dive into their journey, insights, and impact.This month, we feature Christine Lessard. Christine is Director of Institutional Philanthropy at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, where she leads initiatives to strengthen the culture of philanthropy and align giving with the school’s mission and values. She brings nearly two decades of experience in fundraising, community partnership, and organizational strategy, spanning leadership roles at the University of Washington, Seattle Girls’ School, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.
Christine is passionate about making philanthropy inclusive and accessible, helping people see their gifts as acts of care and expressions of belief in community. Her career has been defined by building thoughtful systems, deepening relationships, and cultivating a shared sense of purpose among donors, volunteers, and colleagues. She finds joy in connecting people and possibilities in ways that strengthen both institutions and the communities they serve.
What is your connection to RG175?
RG175 served as the search firm for my current role at Lakeside.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175 on the search process?
My experience with RG175 was excellent. I appreciated every conversation and felt supported throughout the process. Their clarity, consistency, and communication created an environment where I could show up as my authentic self and engage fully in the process.
If you had one piece of advice for other schools or search committees beginning this process, what would it be?
Take time to reflect on your own why. Understanding what grounds and motivates you allows you to move through the process with clarity and confidence.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
I love being surrounded by curiosity and joy. Working in a school environment means we’re constantly inspired by students and challenged to model the values we hope to instill in them. Independent schools are deeply rooted in mission and community, and that sense of purpose infuses everything we do. It’s also a cycle; we’re always learning, reflecting, and iterating, just like our students. That rhythm keeps the work dynamic and deeply rewarding. It’s a privilege to help advance that ongoing growth through philanthropy.