Meet our team
Celeste Hubert
Principal
Celeste Hubert is a native North Carolinian who grew up in the foothills of the mountains and earned her degree in Political Science and in Communication from NC State University in 1992. Her passion for fundraising was sparked during an internship with The National Congressional Club, and she later served as a US Senate Director of Scheduling on Capitol Hill. In 1997, Celeste became a Texan through her marriage to Martin Hubert, and they have raised two children in their new hometown of Austin.
Professionally, Celeste has held leadership roles in various organizations. As the Regional Director of Development for Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, she oversaw major and planned giving across seven states and became the organization’s highest-grossing fundraiser nationwide. She recently served as the VP of Communications for the Young Men’s Service League and was actively involved in the National Charity League. She has been a 10+ year Board of Directors member for both the Women’s Symphony League and the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association. She is an Organizer for the Austin Backpackers. As the 2023-24 Co-Chair of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year, she championed their $726K fundraising victory. Recent successes include securing $300,000 as the 2022 Sponsorship Chair of the WSL Jewel Ball, generating over $300,000 for the 2023 Austin Symphony Maestro’s Dream, raising $100K for the 2024 Long Center’s Icon Awards, supporting Conspirare’s $285,000 spring fundraiser, and obtaining a $100,000 Challenge Grant for Honduras Good Works, leading to the largest annual income in the charity’s 25-year history. Celeste founded Celestial Strategies in 2022 as a way to bolster exceptional causes which build a better world locally and globally, and is THRILLED to get to work daily with her exceptional partners Jenn Bell and Katie Kaighin.
Professionally, Celeste has held leadership roles in various organizations. As the Regional Director of Development for Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, she oversaw major and planned giving across seven states and became the organization’s highest-grossing fundraiser nationwide. She recently served as the VP of Communications for the Young Men’s Service League and was actively involved in the National Charity League. She has been a 10+ year Board of Directors member for both the Women’s Symphony League and the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association. She is an Organizer for the Austin Backpackers. As the 2023-24 Co-Chair of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year, she championed their $726K fundraising victory. Recent successes include securing $300,000 as the 2022 Sponsorship Chair of the WSL Jewel Ball, generating over $300,000 for the 2023 Austin Symphony Maestro’s Dream, raising $100K for the 2024 Long Center’s Icon Awards, supporting Conspirare’s $285,000 spring fundraiser, and obtaining a $100,000 Challenge Grant for Honduras Good Works, leading to the largest annual income in the charity’s 25-year history. Celeste founded Celestial Strategies in 2022 as a way to bolster exceptional causes which build a better world locally and globally, and is THRILLED to get to work daily with her exceptional partners Jenn Bell and Katie Kaighin.
Jennifer Bell
Partner
Jennifer Bell is a dynamic partner at Celestial Strategies, bringing a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to her role. Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Jennifer has lived in multiple cities and has called Austin, Texas home since 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University.
Jennifer's career began in the US Army as a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps, where she honed her skills in logistics and leadership. She later took on roles at Frito Lay as a Operations Manager and Continuous Improvement Manager before embracing the rewarding challenges of being a stay-at-home mother and Preschool Teaching Assistant. Her commitment to community service is exemplified by her eight-year tenure as a board member of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin, where she served as President from 2021 to 2022. Under her leadership as President, the organization raised an impressive $425K for the Austin Symphony Orchestra, surpassing their goal of $275K.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys gardening, scuba diving, reading, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs. She excels in cross-functional leadership, problem-solving, project management, and technology solutions.
Katie Kaighin
Partner
Katie Kaighin is an accomplished partner at Celestial Strategies. An Austin native, Katie earned her Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and a Master of Science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Katie’s career spans both strategic planning and environmental science, as she works as a hydrogeologist. She also previously owned a boutique floral design studio. Her passion for community service is exemplified by her involvement with the Women’s Symphony League of Austin, where she served as President from 2022 to 2023. Jenn and Katie served as back to back Presidents, leading the WSL in raising a combined donation amount for the two years of $750,000.
Katie enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, and backpacking with her husband Jim and their three daughters. She is also an active volunteer at her children’s schools and church. Our team is grateful to have Katie’s varied strengths in leadership, creative solutions, and community engagement.