Christine Ann Stevens, Development Director
Christine Ann Stevens is a seasoned fundraising executive skilled at leading high-performing development teams. After an early career in marketing, Christine made a purposeful pivot to fundraising and has since built a reputation as a strategic, metrics-driven, and deeply relationship-centered leader.
Christine most recently served as Vice President of Development at LA Opera, where she joined an organization nationally recognized for its artistic excellence, ambitious programming, and innovative approaches to audience engagement. She was drawn to LA Opera’s bold creative vision, commitment to new works and contemporary voices, and its continued investment in community access and education. Her time at LA Opera further strengthened her expertise in leading complex development operations within large, multifaceted cultural institutions.
Prior to her role in Los Angeles, Christine spent much of her fundraising career with the Houston Symphony, serving in multiple leadership roles including Director of Major Gifts, Senior Director of Development, and Interim Co-Chief Development Officer. In that capacity, she led a team of 14 fundraising professionals responsible for individual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and endowment efforts, as well as funding transformational initiatives such as the renovation of Jones Hall, introduction of a mid-level giving program, and the welcome and financial support of a new music director and their artistic ambition for the organization.
Under Christine’s leadership, the Houston Symphony concluded the 2023–24 season with $38.5 million in total revenue, a $4.2 million increase over the prior year. Contributed revenue represented more than 77% of total revenue and exceeded 80% when including ticket and subscription purchases by donors in managed portfolios. Individual Giving achieved a record-setting year, raising more than $13 million, and the organization secured more than $11 million in endowment support, bringing the endowment’s value to $97.9 million as of May 2024. Her team also oversaw a 28% year-over-year fundraising increase and the continued growth of the Young Associates Council, the largest young philanthropist group in Houston’s Theater District.
Christine’s earlier career includes senior development roles with Theatre Under The Stars, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, and Houston Grand Opera, giving her broad experience across organizations of varying size, scope, and complexity.
Christine is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), earning her credential in 2018, and is an active leader within the Association of Fundraising Professionals, currently serving as President of AFP Greater Houston, the third largest fundraising chapter globally. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance and a graduate certificate in Finance from the University of Houston–Downtown. A lifelong learner and committed civic volunteer, she also serves as a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar, helping Houstonians register to vote.
Christine is excited to return to Houston and begin this next chapter as Development Director at the Houston Humane Society. She is inspired by the organization’s lifesaving mission, deep community trust, and commitment to advancing animal welfare through compassion, innovation, and impact. Christine looks forward to partnering with the board, donors, volunteers, and staff to strengthen philanthropic support and help ensure a strong, sustainable future for the pets and people the Houston Humane Society serves.