Christina Friend joins TGR Foundation as chief development officer

TGR Foundation has announced the appointment of Christina Friend as its new chief development officer. Friend, an energetic leader in philanthropy, will oversee TGR Foundation’s newly established development department, focused on raising funds to empower students from under-resourced communities to pursue their passions through education. 

“Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to TGR Foundation as our chief development officer,” Cyndi Court, TGR Foundation CEO, said. “She cares about making a meaningful impact in the world through opportunities for young people, which is a perfect fit with our mission and vision.”   

Friend joins TGR Foundation at a period of growth in its executive leadership team and programs, including the recent launch of the Career-connected Learning Program and expansion through two new TGR Learning Labs to open in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. With more than 20 years of experience in development and philanthropy, Friend, a former educator, will focus on driving innovation and growth through new partnerships and fundraising efforts to support TGR Foundation’s mission nationwide. Prior to joining TGR Foundation, Friend served as the Vice President, Southwest Territory, for St. Jude Children’s Hospital while also leading her own non-profit development agency, CFF & Associates. She has held executive level positions at Susan G. Komen, the National 4-H Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County.  

“I am thrilled to be part of an organization with an unwavering commitment and dedication to making a meaningful impact on students from under-resourced communities through education,” said Friend. “I look forward to continuing to make a real difference in the lives of the young learners we serve.” 

Friend, a native of Dallas, TX, will be responsible for building TGR Foundation’s development department, focused on raising critical funds to execute its programs nationwide. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in corporate communications and political science followed by a master’s degree in corporate communications. Building on her passion for serving women and youth from under-resourced communities, Friend has earned continuing education certifications focused in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University and Southern Methodist University.