Brian Gillen serves as Chief Advancement & Public Strategies Officer at the Houston Area Women’s Center.
In his role, Brian he leads the organization’s fundraising, marketing, and strategic communications efforts.
With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Brian has built a distinguished career developing and leading successful advancement programs across health care, higher education, and social services. His expertise spans every facet of development — from major gifts, direct response, and planned giving to prospect management, stewardship, and capital campaigns. He has also led grateful patient initiatives and built comprehensive systems that strengthen donor engagement and long-term sustainability.
Beyond fundraising, Brian is an accomplished communicator and strategist with deep experience in brand development, community relations, grant writing, volunteer engagement, and special events.
A Houston resident since 1977, Brian earned degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Houston. He is a certified Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT Professional and holds additional certificates in Website Optimization, Branding, and Digital Advertising for Nonprofits.