Colleen Murakami is the Chief Development Officer at Swords to Plowshares. In her role, she oversees a dedicated 8-person team responsible for grants, communications, events, individual fundraising, and public affairs. Colleen joined Swords to Plowshares in 2008 as the Communications Manager to help the agency improve public relations. Since 2013 she has directed agency-wide development and communications, during which time the agency has doubled in size and budget. Prior to joining Swords, she worked for several non-profit organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Colleen earned a bachelor’s degree in public communication and women and gender studies, and a master’s degree in public communication from American University. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Tim, two amazing children, Audrey and Hannah, and fluffy pup, Nina.