Katherine DeStefano is the General Counsel & Chief Human Resources Officer of the V Foundation. In this role, DeStefano leads business and legal affairs, human resources, risk management, and board governance. She serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the board and leadership team with a focus on propelling the V Foundation’s mission of funding game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives.
DeStefano has extensive nonprofit and private sector experience, where she has focused on managing strategic risk, building high-performing teams, and leading complex negotiations for mission-driven organizations. Prior to joining the V Foundation, DeStefano was Associate General Counsel at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, where she led a legal team managing litigation, employment, and dispute resolution matters; negotiated a variety of operational and revenue-generating agreements; and assisted with a landmark $500 million fundraising campaign to raise support for Team USA in the lead up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, DeStefano was lead counsel for the development team that increased annual fundraising by nearly fifty percent. Earlier in her career, she practiced law in the Washington, DC office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. She specialized in complex commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and handled a variety of matters on behalf of sports and media clients. She was also the recipient of several awards for her pro bono work related to domestic violence, housing, and civil rights projects.
DeStefano earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management with a concentration in leadership and change from Georgetown University and her law degree from Fordham University School of Law. She is frequently invited to speak on the impact of sports at the intersection of business and purpose and is a member of the Sports Lawyers Association.
