Kristina Bachman

Kristina Bachman is an accomplished development professional with over 20 years of experience in leading and executing successful fundraising strategies and campaigns for nonprofits. Kristina most recently served as the Chief Advancement Officer at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, where she led the strategy and vision for the organization’s fundraising efforts, resulting in exceeding annual fundraising goals.
Prior to her role at Cheekwood, Kristina was the Director of Grants at the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), where she managed the organization’s grant portfolio and increased revenue growth through compelling grant proposals and reporting. Kristina's career also includes significant contributions to KIPP Nashville Public Schools as the Manager of Annual Giving, where she played a key role in securing support for the organization’s $25M capital campaign and secured over $15M in grant funding during her tenure.
Before moving to Nashville in 2018, Kristina served as the Chief Development Officer for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, leading the organization’s revenue function and raising over $3.2 million annually for program support. Kristina's earlier roles include Director of Development at St. Edward’s University and Associate Director of Development at The University of Texas at Austin, where she secured transformational donations that contributed to the success of both institutions’ capital campaigns. Her expertise in grant writing, donor cultivation, and strategic planning has been instrumental in achieving fundraising targets and supporting institutional priorities throughout her career.
Kristina holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. Her dedication to philanthropy and development is evident through her successful track record and commitment to making a difference in the community and lives of others.