Lisa A. McGrath is Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Albany Med Foundation, within the Albany Med Health System. Lisa joined Albany Med Foundation as Assistant Vice President for Individual Giving in 2021 and was subsequently named Interim Vice President in April 2022. In her new role as VP, Lisa leads a team of fundraising professionals in support of Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, and cutting-edge medical research initiatives, raising $15M-$20M annually.
Prior to Albany Med, Lisa’s career spanned esteemed institutions like Union College, Emma Willard School, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she established herself as a strategic planner and visionary program developer. She has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as Emma Willard School’s Bicentennial and Talent Management programs, as well as the creation of Rensselaer’s Regional Advancement and Major Gifts offices. Her expertise in fundraising has resulted in securing multimillion-dollar commitments, fostering enduring relationships, and creating programs that inspire community engagement and leadership.
As a seasoned collaborator and team leader, Lisa has built and supported diverse teams, implemented innovative professional development initiatives, and strengthened connections among stakeholders at all levels. Her ability to align organizational priorities with meaningful impact has been pivotal in her roles.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
In her personal and professional endeavors, Lisa remains committed to fostering positive change and advancing the missions of organizations that enrich their communities.









