Duke Leadership Academy Scholars Profile

Kristen Brown Smalley

Title: Sr. Philanthropic Advisor, Gift Planning
Location:
Senior Management Area: University Development
Class Year: 2015

Bio:
Kristen is a tax attorney with extensive background working with nonprofits and gift planning. At Duke, she is responsible for working with donors who are including philanthropy as a component of their overall financial, retirement, and estate plans, as well as donors who give non-cash gifts to Duke such as stock, real estate, or company interests. Her 15 years of tax and legal experience make her uniquely qualified to help her clients think creatively about financially savvy ways to support their love for Duke. Even with her technical expertise and background, she has an uncanny ability to simplify complex concepts and present them in straightforward, practical terms that donors appreciate. Kristen lovers her job and is tickled to see how excited Duke donors get when they see their passions come to life through their gifts. Kristen graduated from the University of Washington, and earned her law degree magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. She also has extensive training in tax law, holding an LLM degree with honors from Georgetown University Law Center. WHEN SHE'S NOT AT WORK, KRISTEN: * Pounds the pavement training for a two-day, 200-mile team relay race (and an occasional half marathon thrown in for fun). * Explores Bald Head Island by foot, bike, and golf cart with her husband and son.