Cassie Patris-Browne

Chief Philanthropy Officer

ICAN - Positive Programs for Youth

Cassie attended Arizona State University and received her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005. During college she was an NFL Cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals, which solidified her love for having a deeper connection with the community. She has been involved in the non-profit sector for over 25 years with her experience centered in youth development organizations. Her first leadership opportunity was as the Director of the Virginia G. Piper Branch at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale in 2009, where she led the branch in receiving the highest distinction: Best Overall Club by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
With a focus on continuous personal growth and serving her community, Cassie graduated from the American Express Leadership Academy at ASU in 2013. She then went on to participate in a variety of committees and board of directors including Suns 88, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Something So Worth It, a nonprofit that empowers children with permanent disabilities.
In 2018 Cassie received a certificate in Major Gifts Fundraising through The Veritus Group and also became a Certified Fundraising Executive. The premier CFRE certification testifies to her commitment to being a lifelong learner of ethical fundraising standards. Most recently in 2020, Cassie participated in Valley Leadership’s Class 41 where she drew on the expertise of the state’s most respected and influential business, civic and community leaders. In 2021 she partook in 12 months of curriculum through the Women’s Leadership Development Forum, which is designed to provide individuals with knowledge and confidence to work and lead authentically and courageously. In 2022 Cassie was recognized as an ASU Sun Devil 100 with other leaders of organizations from around the world that demonstrated innovation, growth and an entrepreneurial spirit. In November of 2022 Cassie celebrated her 10-year anniversary at ICAN where she resides as the Chief Philanthropy Officer, supporting the organization to address the lack of equitable opportunities for youth to attend afterschool programs. ICAN transforms the educational, social, and emotional wellbeing of youth in underserved communities through daily programming at no cost to families. As a member of the Executive Team, her relentless optimism and excitement for the organization’s mission has helped ICAN grow from 1 to 5 sites within the last 2 years. She believes in utilizing creative fundraising elements, thrives on change, and that the cultivation of a strong staff, board, and leadership volunteer base is the key to a successful organization. Currently, Cassie is pursuing certifications through Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS) to further her leadership and communication skills. She is also ecstatic to be participating in a cohort focusing on Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead”, an in-depth program which aims to assist organizations to build braver and more courageous cultures.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, hot yoga, home projects and being outdoors as an active mom for her children.