Professional Experience | Kent State University
Director, Philanthropy | Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement April 2023 – Present
Primary Areas of Support – College of Education, Health, and Human Services (EHHS), University Libraries, Division of Student Life
- Advise academic and administrative leadership on philanthropic strategy, aligning fundraising priorities with institutional goals and long-
term strategic initiatives.
- Manage a portfolio of high-capacity philanthropic partners, leading the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts ($25K+), contributing significantly to institutional revenue growth and strategic investment.
- Drive donor pipeline strategy and pool movement, ensuring consistent progression from discovery through solicitation and stewardship to sustain a strong major gift pipeline.
- Partner with deans, faculty, and senior leaders to identify funding priorities, develop cases for support, and secure philanthropic investment in key institutional initiatives.
- Translate complex philanthropic vehicles—including major, principal, and planned gifts—into strategic opportunities aligned with donor intent and institutional priorities.
- Lead the development and execution of comprehensive stewardship strategies, strengthening donor relationships, increasing retention,
and generating upgraded and repeat giving.
- Leverage data analytics and donor insights to inform strategy, forecast giving behavior, and optimize engagement and solicitation approaches.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with advancement services, communications, and leadership to ensure operational alignment, compliance,
and a seamless donor experience.
- Provide strategic oversight for advisory board development and engagement, including launching and managing inaugural boards to expand institutional reach and influence.
- Craft high-level proposals, communications, and engagement strategies that position the institution’s priorities in compelling, mission-
driven ways for diverse stakeholders.
Director, Strategic Communications, and External Engagement | College of Aeronautics & Engineering July 2020 – March 2023
- Served as a core member of the Dean’s Leadership Team, contributing to executive decision-making, strategic planning, and cross-
functional coordination across academic and administrative units.
- Advised the Dean and senior leadership on strategic communications, external engagement, and organizational positioning, aligning initiatives with college and institutional priorities.
- Led the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that advanced enrollment, reputation, and philanthropic engagement goals.
- Orchestrated cross-departmental collaboration among academic units, University Communications & Marketing, and philanthropy to ensure alignment of messaging, branding, and institutional priorities.
- Positioned the college as a national leader through strategic storytelling, media relations, and engagement with industry, government,
and professional organizations.
- Partnered with philanthropy leadership to support donor strategy, aligning communications with cultivation, stewardship, and campaign priorities (including the Forever Brighter campaign).
- Directed the college’s external presence, including digital, web, and social platforms, ensuring a cohesive narrative and high-impact brand experience.
- Applied data-informed and behavioral science approaches to improve communication effectiveness and stakeholder engagement across platforms.
- Developed executive communications on behalf of the Dean, including speeches, publications, and high-level correspondence for internal and external audiences.
- Cultivated relationships with internal stakeholders, alumni, media, and community partners to strengthen institutional reputation and external partnerships.
- Provided strategic oversight and vision for major events and ceremonies, aligning them with institutional goals and external engagement strategies.
Assistant Director, Creative Design & Curation | College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) January 2020 – July 2020
Wick Poetry Center | Center for Comparative and Integrative Programs | Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality
- Curated Listening Wall content from Sisters in Liberty exhibit located on Ellis Island, and Armed with Our Voices exhibit
- Facilitated the development of communications by planning, research, writing, editing, art directing, printing and distributing a variety of materials (e.g., press releases, advertisements, media content, video scripts etc.), surveys and reports.
- Directed the designed optimization of the Center’s websites and social media efforts as part of the integrated marketing and communication mix.
Assistant Director, International Programs | College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) May 2016 – January 2020
- Advised college leadership on international strategy, contributing to the development of a vision for expanding the college’s global footprint.
- Served on the leadership team, supporting strategic planning, operational decision-making, and organizational development initiatives.
- Led the development and execution of integrated communications and marketing strategies to promote international programs and increase student engagement.
- Partnered with faculty to design and launch faculty-led education abroad programs, including program development, budgeting, and implementation.
- Managed unit budget and financial operations, analyzing expenditures and implementing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste,
and maximize return on investment.
- Supervised staff and interns, providing leadership, training, and performance oversight to support team effectiveness and professional development.
- Directed assessment and evaluation efforts, developing and implementing the unit’s first comprehensive assessment plan to measure program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
- Applied student development theory and learning science to enhance program design, delivery, and student experience.
- Led international education programs abroad (e.g., Poland, Italy, Ireland), overseeing logistics, student safety, and program execution.
- Developed and maintained cross-functional relationships with faculty, administrators, and external partners to support program growth and sustainability.
Fundraising and Volunteer Experience
Alpha Xi Delta [Women’s] Fraternity | National Vice President
July 2023 – Present
- Provide strategic leadership and governance in support of the Fraternity’s mission to inspire women to realize their potential.
- Work in partnership and collaboration with Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Headquarters Staff to shape strategic priorities that enhance the collegiate and alumnae member experience.
- Collaborate with members of the Alpha Xi Delta National Housing Corporation, Alpha Xi Delta Foundation, and Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity
Headquarters Staff to strengthen our position within the evolving landscape of higher education and prepare for a vibrant and sustainable future.
American Heart Association | Leaders of Impact October 2025
- Fundraised over $15,000 in philanthropic support for the AHA.
- Built relationships and sought critical philanthropic support for cardiovascular research, health equity, and combating heart disease and stroke.
- Focused on educating communities on symptoms, advocating for healthy lifestyle changes, and improving local health outcomes, such as
CPR education.
- Served, and will continue to serve, as a "relentless force" influential champion for longer, healthier lives through community-driven change.
Main Street Kent | Co-Chair Event Planning Committee, Kent Rainbow Weekend January 2020 – July 2021
- Planned, organized, and coordinated the Inaugural Kent Rainbow Weekend for Main Street Kent.
- Partnered with local businesses and organizations to create a vibrant, inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, which significantly boosted community engagement and downtown economic impact.
- Generated over $10,000 in philanthropic support to support the LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund at Kent State University The Adam S. Hamilton Foundation | Director & Committee Member, Hometown Hero 5K August 2017 – September 2021
- Map a safe, city and university approved, 5K course, as well as work with timing company.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with Kent community members for sponsorship.
- Recruit, manage, and train committee and volunteer members to assist with sponsorship and fundraising efforts and race-day duties.
Main Street Kent | Race Director, Run that Shall Not Be Named 5K Fun Run January 2017 – July 2021
- Provided leadership in setting annual fundraising goals to support Main Street Kent.
- Created and plotted a safe, city and university approved, 5K route.
- Recruit, manage, and train committee and volunteer members to assist with sponsorship efforts and race-day logistics.
- Generated $70,000+ philanthropic dollars.
Main Street Kent | Kent International Festival September 2017 – September 2019
- Designed an international community event for the City of Kent and Kent State University in strategic partnership with the Run the World
Race Series.
- Researched, developed, and implemented international passport experience for City of Kent.
- Communicated with and engaged public and community members to participate
Run the World Race Series | Race Director | Director of External Engagement May 2016 – January 2020
- Identified and cultivated relationships with running, international, and philanthropic stakeholders; developed and organized community engagement activities to raise awareness of fundraiser
- Established and maintained the Run the World narrative, image and brand; communicate narrative and branding across all platforms
(print, digital, and social).
- Wrote speeches, letters, pitches, articles, etc. as needed for publication, internal and external presentations, and external engagement interests; Promoted Run the World through community speaking engagements, articles about expertise, etc. (Examples: Chamber of
Commerce, running publications); recruited, communicated, and trained committee and volunteer members to assist with sponsorship efforts and race-day duties.
- Built and fostered a relationship with Main Street Kent to create a partnership for Kent International Festival
Graduate Experience | Kent State University
Graduate Assistant | International Programs and Education Abroad December 2015 – May 2016
- Partnered with faculty members to create proposals for faculty-led education abroad programs.
- Mentored and collaborate with Peer Ambassadors and serve as a leader, mentor, and resource.
- Implemented and executed marketing plans to promote education abroad programs.
- Advised undergraduate domestic and international students regarding financial, personal, and academic, and social issues in the pre-
departure and post-return phase to work through culture shock.
Education Abroad Chaperone | Dublin, Ireland March 2016
- Co-developed and delivered a faculty-led education abroad course on the 1916 Easter Rising, aligning academic content with experiential learning objectives.
- Managed all program logistics, including travel, accommodations, and on-site coordination, ensuring a seamless and academically integrated student experience.
- Represented the university on-site, overseeing student safety, risk management, and institutional compliance while serving as the primary liaison abroad.
Graduate Assistant | Academic Advising | EHHS January 2015 – January 2016
- Managed a caseload of approximately 250 students.
- Advised undergraduate students on necessary program requirements, GPA requirements, and graduation requirements for their respective majors to ensure a timely graduation.
- Advised students on probation and partnered to determine plans of success.
