Kara Murphy (Leglar)

Kara (Leglar) Murphy has an extensive work experience in the field of development and fundraising. Kara started their career as the ProAm Tournament Director at the Cox Classic Golf Tournament, PGA Tour in 1999 and held this role until 2003. In 1997, they became the Faith Communities Coordinator at Mosaic, where they worked until 2004. Following this, they served as the Annual Fund Director at Hillcrest Family Services in 2004 and then joined the University of Dubuque as the Director for Donor Relations in 2005. At the University of Dubuque, they developed relationships with alumni and friends to increase giving, managed a portfolio of donors and prospects, and significantly increased the planned giving society. Kara held this position until 2013. From 2013 to 2022, they worked as the Director of Development at The Finley Hospital, where they were responsible for development strategies. In 2016, they also took up the role of President of the Greater Tri-States Chapter at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where they led strategic planning and executed the chapter's plans. Kara (Leglar) Murphy is currently serving as the Director of Development for the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, starting in 2022.

Kara (Leglar) Murphy's education history begins in 1994 when they attended the University of Northern Iowa. Kara obtained their Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a focus on Public Relations and Journalism in 1996. Following this, Kara pursued further education and received a Certificate in Achievement in Graphic Communication Arts, with Honors from Metropolitan Community College in 2003. Continuing their academic journey, they earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dubuque between the years 2006 and 2009. In 2015 and 2016, Kara attended the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy for two different courses. Kara completed the Developing Annual Sustainability Course in 2015 and the Developing Major Gifts Course in 2016.