Executive Leadership

“As Vicar General and Chancellor, I had the joy of hiring and working closely with Bettina Alonso for over seven years at the Archdiocese of New York. Throughout her tenure, Bettina consistently delivered exceptional and measurable fundraising growth even when, sometimes, it seemed impossible. She combined sharp strategic thinking with disciplined execution. From the outset, she demonstrated an ability to quickly assess complex situations, build strong relationships, and deliver results that exceeded expectations. Bettina has a keen ability to identify high-impact opportunities, align stakeholders, and translate vision into tangible outcomes. Her leadership not only elevated financial performance, but also strengthened team effectiveness and donor engagement across the organization. Bettina’s judgment is sound, her work ethic is unmatched, and her commitment to excellence is evident in everything that she did.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Bettina for the past four years to conceptualize and bring to life Maimonides’ flagship event, Pink Runway. What we’ve accomplished together has exceeded all expectations — we have tripled revenue and engaged honorees as well as leadership donors, a testament to Bettina’s strategic approach and leadership. I especially want to commend Bettina for her creative vision, empathy, and refreshingly “no drama” approach to event production. As the founder of Brooklyn’s first breast cancer center, it is deeply important to me that our mission is authentically reflected in this event. Bettina has ensured that Pink Runway not only raises critical funds, but also meaningfully elevates awareness and visibility for this important cause. Thanks to her leadership, the event has become one of the premier events in Brooklyn. I now genuinely look forward each year to both the planning and execution — a reflection of the professionalism, energy, and commitment to excellence Bettina brings to every detail.”

“I have had the pleasure of working with Bettina through her engagement with Oceana, and I can say that she brings a rare combination of global perspective, strategic fundraising expertise, and exceptional board leadership. Bettina operates with ease across international markets, understanding not only the technical aspects of fundraising but also the cultural nuance required to build meaningful, lasting donor relationships worldwide. She has a remarkable ability to translate mission into compelling opportunities for investment, consistently engaging high-level stakeholders with clarity and purpose. What truly sets Bettina apart is her strength as a board convener – having introduced me to Oceana’s Board of Directors. She knows how to bring together diverse voices, align them around shared goals, and create an environment where governance and strategy thrive. Her approach fosters both trust and accountability—qualities that are essential but not always easy to achieve at the board level. Bettina is results-driven, highly credible, and deeply committed to the organizations she serves. Any institution seeking to expand its global fundraising footprint while strengthening board engagement would benefit tremendously from her leadership.”