About Carla
Dr. Carla Knorowski is a leader, writer, and cultural explorer inspired by ethical leadership. As President & CDO of the Naval War College Foundation, she works
to educate and develop current and future leaders to ensure a more secure and
peaceful world.
Image © Mary Sylvester 2018
Dr. Knorowski has been a leader in the non-profit sector for more than 30 years. Prior to the Naval War College, she was the Chief Executive Officer of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
She has held senior leadership positions at the Chicago Humanities Festival, Northeastern Illinois University, Northeastern Illinois University Foundation, University of Illinois Alumni Association, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has raised millions of dollars in private support benefitting numerous charitable institutions and their constituents.
She earned a Ph.D. in public policy analysis from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is an alumna of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education Management Development Program.
She is an active member of the Economic Club of Chicago and The Society of Midland Authors.
During her tenure at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, she was fortunate to study one of our greatest leaders. She has worked with presidents, statesmen, community leaders, CEOs and others in roles of power and persuasion. She is inspired by and continues to learn from leaders around the globe.
PUBLISHED WORK
Under Lincoln’s Hat: 100 Objects That Tell the Story of His Life and Legacy
(Lyons Press, 2016) Co-authored with James M. Cornelius
“A must-read for Lincoln lovers.”
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian.
Gettysburg Replies: The World Responds to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
(Lyons Press, 2015)
Her writing also is featured in Lincoln: An Intimate Portrait (Life Books, 2014 ), as well as, Celebrated Living magazine, The Chicago Tribune and other publications.
MEDIA
Watch Carla’s interviews about Gettysburg Replies on PBS affiliate WTTW and
She created and co-curated the interactive exhibition, The Power of Words (2013)
at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum with essays from Gettysburg Replies
to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.
Carla is the co-creator of the ABE APP, an app about the 16th president of the
United States downloaded by thousands of individuals the world over.
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
Member of the board of directors of The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, the official U.S. based foundation dedicated to rebuilding and preserving the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
Member of the Co-Designing the Future of the Lincoln Memorial Committee.
Strategic Advisor to the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’s Next Generation Task Force.
Former Board Member of the Society of Midland Authors.
Former Trustee of the Naval War College Foundation
RECOGNITION
The Points of Light Foundation, founded by President George H. W. Bush, named her a Daily Point of Light for her work and commitment to civic engagement.
In March of 2015, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council commemorated the 150th anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln and recognized the publication of Gettysburg Replies and Illinois essayists
contributing to the book including editor and essayist, Carla Knorowski.
