Staff: Cassie Patris-Browne

Cassie Patris-Browne attended Arizona State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005. During college she was an NFL Cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals, which solidified her love for having a deeper connection with the community. She has been involved in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years with her experience centered in youth development organizations. Her first leadership opportunity was as the Director of the Virginia G. Piper Branch at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale in 2009, where she led the branch in receiving the highest distinction: Best Overall Club by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

With a focus on continuous personal growth and serving her community, Cassie graduated from the American Express Leadership Academy at ASU in 2013. She then went on to participate in a variety of committees and board of directors including Suns 88, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Something So Worth It, a nonprofit that empowers children with permanent disabilities. In 2018 Cassie received a certificate in Major Gifts Fundraising through The Veritus Group and also became a Certified Fundraising Executive. The premier CFRE certification testifies to her commitment to being a lifelong learner of ethical fundraising standards. Most recently in 2020, Cassie participated in Valley Leadership’s Class 41 where she drew on the expertise of the state’s most respected and influential business, civic and community leaders. In 2021 she partook in 12 months of curriculum through the Women’s Leadership Development Forum, which is designed to provide individuals with knowledge and confidence to work and lead authentically and courageously. In 2022 and 2023 Cassie was recognized as an ASU Sun Devil 100 with other leaders of organizations from around the world that demonstrated innovation, growth and an entrepreneurial spirit. In the Spring of 2023 Cassie became a certified Integrator through Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS) to further her leadership, communication skills, and change management. Additionally, she was also ecstatic to be participate in a cohort focusing on Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead”, an in-depth program which aims to assist organizations to build braver and more courageous cultures.

In November 2023 Cassie celebrated her 11-year anniversary at ICAN where she served as the Chief Advancement Officer, supporting the organization to address the lack of equitable opportunities for youth to attend afterschool programs. As a member of the Executive Team, her relentless optimism and excitement for the organization’s mission helped ICAN grow from 1 to 5 sites within the last 3 years. She believes in utilizing creative fundraising elements, thrives on change, and that the cultivation of a strong staff, board, and leadership volunteer base is the key to a successful organization.

Cassie was thrilled to accept the Executive Director Position at Friends of the Children-Phoenix during the summer of 2024 after feeling a strong alignment with the mission, team members, and Board of Directors. She is eager to carry on and grow the organization’s impact in the Valley.

In her spare time, Cassie enjoys trail running, hot yoga, home projects, and being outdoors as an active wife and mother!