Grace Y. Ko

Executive Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs

As executive vice president for development and alumni affairs, Grace Ko leads NYU Langone Health’s fundraising efforts, which support the institution’s exceptional healthcare, medical schools, and research. Ms. Ko and her team foster relationships with transformational partners and have grown donations of every level. Additionally, Ms. Ko oversees efforts to build and sustain the powerful alumni community of NYU Langone’s medical schools.

Under her leadership, NYU Langone has experienced unprecedented philanthropic growth, culminating in raising over 750 million dollars annually. Since joining NYU Langone in 2007, Ms. Ko has partnered with NYU Langone’s chair of the Board of Trustees, dean and CEO, and a multitude of constituencies to raise more than 4.9 billion dollars. This work has ignited NYU Langone’s ambitious campus transformation throughout New York City, Long Island, Palm Beach, FL, and beyond. Ms. Ko’s efforts have also helped NYU Langone launch “tuition-free” programs at both medical schools, which is a major source of pride for her and the entire medical community. Ms. Ko’s work has helped the health system to develop groundbreaking medical research, bring healthcare and material support to vulnerable communities, and more.

Ms. Ko has grown her department into a sophisticated, thriving team that mirrors the aspirational drive of NYU Langone. Ms. Ko has consistently earned the trust of donors, who have recently given almost one billion dollars of unrestricted philanthropic support, allowing NYU Langone to direct funds to the areas of greatest need. Flexible funding at this level is rare and a clear sign of the giving community’s confidence in our executive leadership and the institution‘s ability to find the best ways to use philanthropic funds.

Ms. Ko has extensive experience designing, leading, and managing national and international campaigns. She previously served as executive director of CCS Fundraising, the largest fundraising strategy and management firm in the world, and she has experience in local and national politics.

Ms. Ko holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Barnard College of Columbia University.