EHS Welcomes Chief Development Officer

REALIZING THE VISION TO EMPOWER THE FUTURE

Q&A with Chief Development Officer Allie Nikolaisen

Allie Nikolaisen joined EHS as the Chief Development Officer in late 2021. With more than 20 years of non-profit development experience, Allie works alongside our Development Board Committee and a team of dedicated staff in the Development department. We hope you enjoy this Q&A as Allie shares her dedication to supporting the mission of Episcopal High School, its students, and the community.

Tell us a little about your career path and what led you to EHS.

I’ve worked in development for 20 years, exclusively in the visual arts. After becoming a parent in 2018, my focus and priorities shifted, and the mission of EHS—preparing students for meaningful lives in service to others—inspired me to align my skill set with my personal outlook on the world. The opportunity to play a small part in shaping a responsible and compassionate global community for the next generation is a professional honor.

Why EHS? What speaks to you?

EHS’s commitment to the whole student—to celebrate and support young people through the Four Pillars—is such a unique and joyful educational approach. I love that there’s a place for everyone to find and develop their interests and strengths at EHS. I see it on campus every day—students thriving and being recognized for who they are, as they are.

Where do you see EHS in 5-10 years?

We’re in a strong position to fully realize the 2014 Master Plan by building both the Visual and Performing Arts Center and the new Benitez Chapel through the School’s current campaign. The Board of Trustees is an amazing group of committed individuals who are championing our work and leading by example through their generosity and commitment. We’re so thrilled to bring the entire EHS community along for this exciting next chapter. It is because of the students and families we’ve known before that we now enjoy such a spectacular campus, unparalleled resources, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The willingness of so many to ensure our future is just as bright for those still to come, is truly remarkable. We will be successful because of the love and advocacy this community demonstrates time and time again. To help realize this vision is a true privilege for me.

How do you motivate people?

I believe in everyone’s ability to lead from any chair. Each person on this team has a voice, and the individual expertise they bring to the Development table is what makes us successful. When we feel empowered and respected by each other—even when we may disagree—we succeed in our shared goals.

When you walk across campus, what stands out to you and makes you think “This is EHS!”?

Oh, the list is too long. But I can say, every morning on my walk to the Lynda K. Underwood Student Center for coffee (admittedly my third cup most days!), I pass by the dance studios, the Library, the Alkek Gym, and the Benitez Chapel. And every day I see students genuinely enjoying and engaging in activities across campus. It is a vibrant community, and that spirit and enthusiasm are palpable. I couldn’t ask for a better or more inspiring place to spend my days.

What do you do in your free time?

When I’m not working, I just enjoy lying low. I’m an introvert at heart (which is ironic given my line of work), but I love hanging out in pajamas around the house. My husband, Tom, is an artist, and my daughter, Molly, just celebrated her 4th birthday. We love museum hopping, movies, takeout, and snuggling with our pets—our dog, Potato Chips, and our two cats, Andrew and Poppy. I take Pilates four times a week, but I’d be lying if I said I loved it. It’s a necessary evil at this stage in the game.

Tell us about an interesting trip you took. A vacation or trip that really meant a lot to you.

My aunt spent her entire adult life as a missionary in Beirut and Gaza. My mom and I visited her several times while she lived there in the 1990s and it is an incredible part of the world—such rich history and culture. And the people were wonderful. I hope to take Molly back one day and show her the place where such a strong woman in her life served a purpose so much bigger than herself. My aunt was, and remains, the definition of strength, service, and beauty.

Have you ever met someone famous?

Fame is subjective, but I’ve had meaningful encounters with several people who have influenced my life in meaningful ways. Jenny Holzer, Andrew Solomon, and last but never least, George Michael (who was less than impressed when I shared that I named my late dog after him).

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

I am a child of the 90s and my nostalgia for that time runs deep. The dELIA*s catalogs, butterfly clips, Doc Martens, flannels for days, and sooooo much bad self-penned poetry (mostly about a busboy I met while working at my dad’s restaurant one summer—just in case I wasn’t a walking cliché already). When I was 16 years old, I used to stop in the same convenience store (RIP, Little Jennifer’s!) by my house every weeknight to buy a large fountain Coke and a family‑size bag of Funyuns. And then I would drive aimlessly around my neighborhood listening to Prince, Mazzy Star, Pink Floyd (Meddle, TYVM), Bikini Kill, and Radiohead on repeat for hours. It sounds silly to say, but that ritual still brings up so many happy memories and feelings for me. It is the portrait of my youth and to this day when I go home to Fort Worth, I make time to drive around and listen to music by myself just like I did back in the day. Long live the 90s!!!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

In the wise words of Beyonce, “Houston, Texas, baby!”. I’m where I’m meant to be.