2025 Speaker Bios
Keynote Speakers
Bill Carbone, Executive Director - TeachRock, Rock and Soul Forever Foundation
Bill Carbone is a seasoned leader and collaborator who believes that a culture of empathy and empowerment is the best route to create energetic, high-performing teams — like the group of quirky, brilliant minds he leads at TeachRock.Launched by E-Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt, along with the Founders Board of Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen, TeachRock provides free, standards-aligned resources to help teachers, students, and families succeed.
The diverse TeachRock team operates at the intersection of educational equity and innovation – and Bill guides their mixed skill sets toward the goal of transformative change in school culture and student outcomes. They’ve begun to achieve this objective through open-source, high-quality instructional materials that fill classrooms with the stories, science and sounds of music.
Bill brings decades as a researcher, teacher, journalist and musician to his role. He created the PBS Soundbreaking and Beatles curriculum collections almost single-handedly during his first year and has since spearheaded exponential growth, reaching 10,000 teachers face-to-face on Van Zandt’s “Teacher Solidarity Tour,” leaning into distance learning and a 400% increase in usership during the pandemic, and establishing a school partnership team that brings TeachRock’s open educational resources to life in classrooms nationwide.
Bill has degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music in Jazz Performance and Wesleyan University in Ethnomusicology, in addition to his ongoing career as a rock, jazz, and reggae drummer and percussionist. He has also taught classes in music history, ethnomusicology and percussion at Central Connecticut State and Wesleyan Universities.
Today’s TeachRock Artist Council includes Erykah Badu, Common, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Norah Jones, DJ Khaled, Skip Marley, Darryl McDaniels, Melle Mel, Margo Price, Rapsody, Gina Schock, Marty Stuart, and Black Eyed Peas' Taboo. More than 60,000 educators representing over 30,000 schools in all 50 U.S. states, England, Spain, Norway and elsewhere are registered with TeachRock.
John B. King, Jr., Ed.D., J.D., Chancellor - State University of New York
John B. King, Jr. is the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the United States. As Chancellor, King and the SUNY Board of Trustees have established four pillars to guide SUNY's progress: student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility. Under Chancellor King’s leadership, SUNY has seen its largest operating aid increase in five decades, including double-digit percentage increases for every state-operated campus, the first operating aid increase for community colleges in nearly a decade, and dedicated recurring annual funding for expanding mental health services, services for students with disabilities, paid internships, and research, as well as addressing food insecurity. To advance SUNY's goal of an internship experience for every undergraduate and civic mission, Chancellor King has overseen the launch of the Chancellor's Summer Research Excellence Internship Fund, the NYS FAFSA Completion Corps, the Climate Corps Internship Program, the Veterans' Enrollment and Support Internship Program, and the Empire State Service Corps (providing 500 SUNY undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in paid public service work for 300 hours over the course of a year). In fall of 2023, the System saw its first overall enrollment increase in a decade and hired approximately 700 faculty members across all disciplines at SUNY’s State-operated campuses.Before being appointed SUNY Chancellor, King served as president of The Education Trust, a national civil rights nonprofit, and Professor of the Practice at the University of Maryland College Park. Prior to this, Chancellor King served in President Barack Obama's cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education. Upon tapping him to lead the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama called Chancellor King "an exceptionally talented educator," citing his commitment to "preparing every child for success," and his lifelong dedication to public education as a teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems.
His service in Washington, D.C. followed Chancellor King's tenure as New York State's first African American and first Puerto Rican Education Commissioner, a role in which he oversaw all elementary and secondary schools, as well as public, independent, and proprietary colleges and universities, professional licensure, libraries, museums, and numerous other educational institutions.
Chancellor King holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, as well as both a Master of Arts in the teaching of social studies and a doctorate in education from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Peggy Riley, Vice President of Employee Communications & Engagement - Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain with 111 stores located along the east coast. The family company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 27 consecutive years, ranking #6 in 2024, and earned the #1 spot on the list in 2005.In 1990, Peggy Riley started as a cashier at Wegmans. Throughout her career, Peggy has held a variety of roles across employee relations, recruitment & talent programs, as well as project management for major change initiatives and community outreach programs. Since 2013, Peggy has been leading Wegmans’ employee communications and engagement strategies. She and her team provide strategic communications to deep-root and integrate Wegmans’ mission, values, and employee first philosophy to enrich the employee experience and deepen Wegmans’ values-based culture across 100+ locations in eight states. Her team also facilitates various listening programs and surveys to incorporate feedback from 54,000+ employees to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and high customer engagement.
Peggy holds a B.S. in Communications from the State University of New York at Fredonia and earned her M.B.A. from St. John Fisher University in Rochester.
Christopher White, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility - State University of New York
In 2024, Chris White was named SUNY's first Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, a key position established to advance one of SUNY's four priority pillars (student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility). He is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership in creating and implementing workforce development initiatives, solidifying external partnerships, and ensuring seamless coordination across the SUNY System. He is also primarily responsible for implementing SUNY's goal of ensuring that all undergraduate students complete an internship or other high-quality experiential learning opportunity before earning their degree.White has extensive experience in workforce development, communications, and public policy, serving most recently as Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the New York State Department of Labor. There he led many significant initiatives, including modernizing workforce development systems and launching a statewide Virtual Career Center solution. He oversaw 95 career centers and a team of 1,000 employees. His career has included several other statewide outreach and education campaigns, including New York State's $15 minimum wage, closing the gender wage gap, subminimum wage, and workplace sexual harassment prevention. His work has focused on creating accessible pathways to career development, especially for individuals facing barriers to employment such as the long-term unemployed, veterans, and those with disabilities.
In addition to his Department of Labor service, White has a diverse background in marketing and media, having worked in strategic marketing and communications. He has developed extensive networks across industry, education and government. White holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Ithaca College.
Breakout Session Speaker Bios
Cathy Abashian Williams joined the SUNY Broome Foundation in 2011 and has served as its Executive Director since early 2013. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2017 and has spent the majority of her career in human services/nonprofit leadership and management, including the past 19 years in higher education advancement.Mike Andriatch is a graduate of SUNY Brockport and has been employed at his alma mater since earning his bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing and Sports Management in 1985. He earned his master’s in Athletic Administration in 2017. During his first 15+ years, he built the University’s Sports Information Department from scratch, creating a network of student assistants now employed across the nation’s major professional and collegiate sports marketing and media relations landscape. Since 2001, he’s served as Brockport’s Special Projects Coordinator; Director of Alumni Relations and the Annual Fund; Director of Major and Planned Gifts and Alumni Relations; Director of Leadership Giving; Executive Director of Advancement; Assistant VP for Leadership and Planned Giving; and VP for Advancement and President of the Brockport Foundation, a role he has held since 2015. In 2022, his portfolio expanded to include oversight of University Communications and University Events, and his title was updated to VP for Advancement & Communications. Many of his early fundraising successes came in the athletics arena, specifically in the naming of several sports venues. A member of the President’s Cabinet, he leads a staff of approximately 35 focused on the university’s next and largest fundraising campaign, marketing and promotion of the institution to all audiences, and major internal and external campus events.
Robert (Rob) Baird is passionate about leveraging his expertise in fundraising to drive positive change and support organizations in achieving their mission. He has over 10 years of experience in foster care, nonprofit healthcare, and higher ed fundraising and knows firsthand that development is not merely about raising money; it’s about connecting a donor’s passions with an organization’s needs. When he’s not fundraising, Rob is cooking, baking, traveling, building furniture, and making art with his partner, David.
David Belsky is the founder of Good Rebellion and offers unique experience in communications strategy and public relations for purpose-driven organizations. For nearly a decade, he drove integrated marketing and communications at The State University of New York, the largest higher education system in the U.S. He successfully implemented a new brand across 64 campuses, helping to establish the system and its chancellor as national thought leaders. While at SUNY, David maintained a wide-ranging portfolio including media and government relations, advertising, social media, executive speechwriting, crisis communications, alumni engagement, student leadership, and supporting the Board of Trustees. He then joined The Fund for Public Schools at the NYC Dept. of Education, where he built a newly created communications department from the ground up. David was responsible for developing and implementing strategies for fundraising, donor engagement, content creation, partner relations, reporting for the Board of Directors, and liaising with City Hall. Before founding Good Rebellion, David was managing director at a creative agency in downtown Manhattan where he oversaw client strategy and growth. He is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens, now living in Brooklyn. He attended NYC public schools, earned his bachelor’s in Political Science from Binghamton University, and MPA from the University at Albany.
Antonia Berry is the Coordinator of Residential Marketing and Communications for the Division of Student Affairs at Stony Brook University. She developed her passion for marketing and supporting the student experience during her time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media. In her current role, Antonia oversees all aspects of marketing and communications efforts for Campus Residences and Student Affairs, working to strengthen the university's local, regional and national visibility. Her expertise includes designing high-quality print materials, crafting effective crisis communications and ensuring Campus Residences' social media presence reflects the vibrant residential life at Stony Brook University.
Molly Bojanek is a marketing professional with experience in higher education, economic development, and tourism. As Coordinator of Advancement Communications at SUNY Brockport, she crafts strategic messaging to support institutional growth and donor relations. She holds a master’s of Public Administration from SUNY Brockport and a bachelor of Arts in Communication from SUNY Geneseo.
Erin Boylan is the Executive Director for Alumni Engagement at SUNY Cortland. She has worked for more than 20 years at SUNY Cortland, holding various roles in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. She is passionate about building relationships to support the university and its mission. She has planned events at MetLife and Yankee Stadiums, hosted NFL coaches and the first female four-star general, and led multiple gatherings of 1,000+ people. She leads the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is responsible for the fiscal management of their turn-of-the century mansion, the Lynne Parks '68 SUNY Cortland Alumni House. She loves working with her amazing staff and engaging all Red Dragons.
Caitlin Brown is a highly dedicated and resourceful administrator with significant experience working in nonprofit arts centers, higher education and other educational arts settings. Developing effective communications between individuals, disparate groups, and the public is her passion. Brown uses communication tools as a conduit to develop deep connections. There is no greater joy than helping others discover the cultural wealth at their own doorstep. She is an active participant in her community with an interest in engaging in contemporary culture, fostering communication and sharing the arts with the public.
Barbara Byers, APR, is director of alumni communications for the University at Buffalo Office of Advancement Communications. In this position, she is responsible for creating and executing strategic communication initiatives to increase alumni and donor engagement in support of the university and its philanthropic goals.
Prior to joining UB in 2003, she served as senior public relations specialist for Western New York’s Kaleida Health System; corporate communication director for the YMCA of Greater Buffalo; senior public relations counsel for Independent Health, a health maintenance organization; and as technical editor for environmental consulting firm Ecology and Environment.
Barb has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since 1994 and earned her accreditation in 1999. She currently serves on the board of directors for Penn State Behrend’s Women’s Engagement Council.
Katie Camm is a Senior Director of Stewardship at the University of Buffalo. A dedicated leader, she has over 17 years of experience in higher education donor relations and stewardship. She spearheads a team responsible for crafting and executing an integrated donor stewardship program. This program bridges the gap between donors and the impact of their philanthropy through personalized communications, outreach, and engagement opportunities. Katie’s expertise spans critical stewardship areas, including acknowledgments, endowments, gift agreements and documentation, scholarship stewardship and impact reporting Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katie holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from UB. She also holds two bachelor of science degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from SUNY Brockport. She resides in Buffalo with her husband, two sons and two dogs.
Penny Jane Chin is the Director of Alumni Affairs at SUNY Old Westbury. She has over three decades of dedicated experience in leveraging innovative strategies to engage 36,500 alumni, expand databases, and foster enduring relationships. Penny’s experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor cultivation has contributed significantly in raising transformational funds for student scholarships, faculty grants, and enrichment programs. She has provided expertise in creating and managing diverse campus programs, establishing strong connections between alumni and current students, and played a key role in establishing three academic exchange programs in China and establishing SUNY Old Westbury as a College Partner of TheDream.US. Penny is a proud graduate of SUNY Old Westbury with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is the recipient of the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Matthew Colson is an industry leader in higher education development, alumni relations and communications, building successful operations and programs both in small private college and large public university settings. As Vice President for Development & Alumni Engagement, he sets the vision and strategy for all efforts to inform, engage and inspire the College’s greater campus community of alumni, friends, parents, corporations, and private foundations and seek their philanthropic support to advance the mission of the College. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record for building award-winning programs, he joined the Cabinet at Farmingdale State College in 2020. In this role, he has built a high-performing team and together they have delivered unprecedented growth in the College’s endowment, scholarship support, student emergency funds and unrestricted flexible use dollars. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Long Island Business Development Council (Associate Director) and The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation; and presents regularly at regional and national conferences with CASE, SUNYCUAD and Academic Impressions. He has a bachelor’s in Speech Communications from St. Joseph's University, and a master’s in education from Long Island University.
Katrina Culhane is Director of Annual Giving at Stony Brook University, where she is responsible for developing successful direct marketing initiatives and collaborative constituent experience strategies for Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. Prior to joining Stony Brook in 2017, Katrina worked in fundraising at several performing arts organizations, including off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company. Katrina holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration from Wagner College and a master’s in Business Administration from Stony Brook University.
Jennifer D'Andrea is Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at SUNY New Paltz. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Studies from Hofstra University and a Master of Science in Management of Nonprofit Agencies from Capella University. She has six years of higher education experience, having worked for four years at SUNY Orange as their Director of Alumni Relations before coming to SUNY New Paltz. Before working in higher education, she worked in the nonprofit sector for eight years, focusing on fundraising, event planning, and volunteer management. In her current role, Ms. D'Andrea is responsible for planning the annual Alumni Reunion, 40 Under Forty Award Ceremony, and all alumni gatherings regionally and nationwide.
Holly M. Davis is a dynamic trailblazer with over 20 years of experience in philanthropy, association, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. As the Director of CASE@Campus at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), she has expanded a pilot program into a global initiative, delivering tailored professional development training. At the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, Holly significantly increased revenue and expanded the policy agenda as Vice President of External Relations. She also managed PACs in Austin and Seattle and led nonprofits like the Center for Women and Democracy. Holly is a sought-after speaker, having presented at the United Philanthropy Forum Annual Conference and CASE events. She founded the Indiana Leadership Forum, Evergreen Campaign Institute, and John Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Holly's work has earned her awards such as the Sagamore of the Wabash. She holds a BA from Indiana University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Joseph DiDomizio is an experienced writer, producer, and digital strategist. Driven by a passion for learning, he takes pride in telling the best stories possible. In 2019 he won a New York State Emmy for the Boldly Buffalo campaign videos. As Director of Digital Communications for the University at Buffalo’s Advancement Communications team, his goals include connecting the UB community with their alma mater and illuminating the numerous ways people can change the world through the university. Joseph received his BA in Media Study and English at University at Buffalo, and his MA in Arts Journalism at Syracuse University.
David A. Draper has spent over 20 years in advancement, beginning his career at the University at Buffalo (UB) as a Major Gift Officer for the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He currently serves as Associate Vice President for Advancement in the Office of Principal Gifts, where he leads fundraising efforts for school based and university wide initiatives. Draper is known for his strategic collaboration and expertise in donor engagement and cultivation, effectively maximizing philanthropic support for the university. He worked alongside the VP of University Advancement to establish the University Advancement Council, a high-level philanthropic think tank. Draper also served on the division’s executive and leadership management teams.
A skilled and entrepreneurial fundraiser, Draper has deep experience in campaign planning, senior-level management of fundraising professionals, and interdisciplinary and regional engagement. His career also includes senior roles in sales and marketing within the health insurance, banking, and not-for-profit sectors.
Draper holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UB. He currently serves on The Park School Foundation board of trustees. Outside of work, Draper lives in Buffalo with his partner, Rob Baird, and has three adult children. He is passionate about cycling, running, gardening, and traveling the world, and enjoys a variety of outdoor adventures.
Lisa English has worked in higher education since 1998, mainly in alumni engagement and advancement operations for the Rutgers University Foundation and Rutgers University Alumni Association, across all three of its major campuses. Lisa is currently the Associate Vice President, of Operations on the foundation's central team for Advancement and Strategy and serves on the senior vice president's senior team. Her role encompasses various strategic initiatives for the organization including internal communications related to the implementation of Salesforce and creating efficiencies in collaborative operations across the fundraising verticals. Lisa earned her doctorate in education from Rutgers in 2016. She is originally from New England, where she attended the University of New Hampshire. She is an avid RV'er and enjoys many of New York state's parks in the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks.
Erin Faxlanger is the Assistant Director of Marketing for University Advancement at the University at Buffalo, where she manages social media strategy, email campaigns and website content to engage alumni and donors. With a passion for higher education marketing, Erin has built her career creating dynamic, audience-driven content that brings university stories to life.
Kevin Flynn is a distinguished communications professional with decades of experience in driving business growth through strategic marketing and leadership. A former partner at Flynn Agency, Kevin has worked with major clients, including MetLife, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and the Buffalo Bills, helping them shape their brand narratives. In addition to his work as an executive advisor, Kevin is also a passionate adventurer, having summited the highest peaks on all seven continents. His book, Mount Everest: Confessions of an Amateur Peak Bagger, offers a personal account of his journey to the top of the world, reflecting his approach to overcoming challenges and reaching new heights.
Samantha “Sam” General’s journey in Advancement began in 2013 at the Buffalo Albright-Knox Art Gallery. However, it was when she joined the UB Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship in 2019 that she was able to truly focus on her passion for stewardship. As Associate Director of Stewardship, Sam is dedicated to enriching the donor experience at UB through an array of dynamic projects, including impact reporting, personalized stewardship planning and donor-focused events and on-campus opportunities with students. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sam serves on numerous boards, including SUNYCUAD’s Board of Directors, reflecting her commitment to the advancement community. An alumna of UB, she has transformed her love for cookie decorating into a part-time business. Sam occasionally opens her home to foster animals, promising her husband each time that "this will be the last one." Residing in Buffalo, Sam shares her life with her husband, son, daughter and their perfect cat, Kevin.
Jacqueline Ghosen, APR is the Assistant Dean and Director of Marketing and Communications for the University at Buffalo’s School of Management. She leads school-wide efforts in marketing, communications, public relations and media relations, and provides strategic oversight for digital and print communications to position the school as a national leader in business education. She is also editor-in-chief of Buffalo Business, the school’s alumni magazine. Since joining UB in 1995, she and her team have been recognized for the quality of their work with more than 70 awards from PRSA, SUNYCUAD and CASE. Her achievements have earned her the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Active in the Public Relations Society of America, Ghosen has served in numerous leadership roles in the Buffalo Niagara Chapter. She has an MBA from the UB School of Management, a BS in business from Medaille College, and is accredited in public relations. She enjoys cycling, skiing and reading, and is learning to play the ukelele.
Scott Gibbs is a devoted husband, father, and leadership coach who believes every person holds untapped greatness—Acres of Diamonds—within themselves. After a 30-year career leading teams and transformations at Fortune 100 companies like GE and Alstom, Scott found his true calling not in climbing the corporate ladder, but in helping others rise. The tragic loss of his eldest son, Marcus, in 2016 became a profound turning point. While grief could have consumed him, Scott chose to let it shape his purpose—honoring Marcus by helping others lead themselves and those they love with greater strength, clarity, and love. Guided by powerful mentors and fueled by lived experience, Scott launched his CEO coaching practice in 2020. Today, he walks beside leaders as their trusted wingman, accelerating their growth while reducing their risk. His gift lies in helping people rediscover the best in themselves—and believe in it. Scott and his wife Sue have been married for 30 years and are proud parents of Aaron and Casey, and forever parents of Marcus. The Gibbs family continues to grow stronger together, learning daily from the legacy Marcus left behind. For Scott, every day is a great day when he’s helping someone else become the strongest version of themselves possible.
Amanda Glann is the Director of the Fisher Fund at St. John Fisher University, where she leads comprehensive annual giving initiatives, including leadership giving through the Spire Society. Amanda brings a strategic and innovative approach to leadership giving, leveraging data-driven insights to identify, cultivate, and steward donors while fostering collaboration across institutional teams. In addition to her role at St. John Fisher University, Amanda serves on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals NY, Genesee Valley Chapter, where she chairs the Regional Conference Committee. A graduate of St. John Fisher University, she also holds a master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University.
Kerry Gotham has more than 25 years of experience in higher education and advancement. Before joining SUNY Cortland as its Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, he worked at SUNY Brockport, Nazareth University, and Syracuse University. Kerry has presented at multiple CASE and SUNYCUAD conferences, the Northeast Annual Giving Conference and the CASE Summit. He is SUNYCUAD’s Immediate Past President and a board member, and he also served on the CASE District II Board and co-chair of the District II Awards Program. He has been recognized as a CASE District II Faculty Star and a Grand Gold winner in the CASE Circle of Excellence awards. He earned his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Nazareth University.
Jeff Grandy, M.Ed. is Vice President of Client Development at Catapult Fundraising. A dedicated member of the fundraising community, he actively contributes to the advancement of the profession. He plays pivotal roles as Immediate Past President of AFP Texas Coastal Bend, demonstrating his commitment to fostering excellence in leadership and philanthropy.
He brings 16+ years of distinguished leadership experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in cultivating major and planned giving programs. As a seasoned fundraising consultant, he has spearheaded initiatives at esteemed institutions such as Claremont McKenna College, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Texas A&M University, among others. Currently, Jeff leads the Catapult team across the Greater Gulf Coast, guiding them in the development of effective leadership strategies.
Jeff's commitment to leadership development extends beyond his consultancy work. He serves as an Instructor with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Non-Profit Management and Fundraising Certificate programs, imparting his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of leaders. Additionally, he acts as a Fundraising Operations Mentor for the Center of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership at Rice University, nurturing emerging talent in the field.
Amy Harvey is the Assistant Director of Leadership Annual Giving at the University at Buffalo, where she works closely with donors to help make a meaningful impact through their philanthropy, aligning their passions with university opportunities. An accomplished development professional, she has more than a decade of experience in fundraising, donor relations and nonprofit advancement. Before joining UB, Amy built a strong foundation in nonprofit development through roles at several respected institutions. At The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, N.Y., she played a key role in advancing fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor relationships and refining engagement strategies to strengthen philanthropic support. Prior to that, she served the Buffalo Museum of Science, where she was instrumental in securing federal and local funding and fostering community partnerships. Amy began her development career at The Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, N.Y., where she led membership development and supported initiatives to preserve and promote the historic site’s mission. Beyond fundraising, she has extensive experience in board governance, corporate relations and grant writing. She has shared her expertise by presenting to peers on donor engagement, stewardship and aligning philanthropic goals with personal passions. A graduate of Nazareth University with a bachelor’s degree in history, she also holds an MBA from Medaille University. Passionate about connecting people with causes that inspire them, Amy continues to make a lasting impact in the field of development and philanthropy.
Kathleen Heckman is Vice President for University Advancement at the University at Buffalo, New York's premier public center for graduate and professional education and the state's largest and most comprehensive public university. A veteran higher education professional, Kathleen has nearly 30 years of higher education experience in alumni engagement, advancement services, administration, fundraising and special events. As the chief advancement officer for the university, Kathleen serves as an advisor on all matters pertaining to the management and operations of advancement, alumni engagement and advancement services. She also served as co-director of the university’s recently completed one-billion-dollar Boldy Buffalo Campaign. She serves as a member of the president’s cabinet and develops and implements collaborative advancement strategies to achieve the university’s Top 25 ambitions. Kathleen has an M.B.A. and a bachelor’s degree in international business — both from the University at Buffalo. Kathleen lives in Clarence, N.Y., with her husband and two children.
Carolyn Hunt is the Director of Strategic Resource Development & Grants Management at Monroe Community College.
Brian Ibsen helps universities and faculty fundraise for key objectives. Since 2021, he has served as Senior Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University at Buffalo. Brian has been fundraising for higher education and medicine since 1990. His parents were entrepreneurs, and he continues to be interested in start-up ventures. His first career was as a teacher in the Boston Public Schools. When he was teaching, he originated student entrepreneurship projects, sports teams, dance contests and newspapers. His second career was in business development for market research on personal computers, cell phones and home information systems. As a volunteer, he has helped in fundraising for churches, mental health centers, historical preservation, and the Rotary.
Steven Krolak is a freelance writer based in Western New York. He has worked in strategic communications for nearly 40 years, helping individuals and organizations tell their stories, articulate their vision and build their brands. In higher education, he served as associate director of recruitment communications at SUNY Plattsburgh, and director of marketing and communications and academic information officer at Indiana University Southeast. He holds a BA in history from McGill University and an MA in creative writing from Portland State University.
Hal Legg’s career in higher education spans over 20 years, spent on both two- and four-year SUNY campuses. Following over a decade of experience in enrollment management at Genesee Community College, he moved to SUNY Oneonta, where he founded its Office of Communication. He joined the administration at SUNY Niagara after relocating to western New York in 2022.
Charlie Lewis is a seasoned nonprofit technology professional with extensive experience in guiding organizations through the selection and implementation process of new fundraising tech. As the Director of Strategic Accounts at Virtuous, Charlie has helped thousands of nonprofits & higher ed advancement teams 'level up' their fundraising tech, demonstrating his expertise by aligning technology solutions with ever-evolving organizational needs. Charlie's commitment to understanding internal requirements and delivering tailored solutions has established him as a trusted advisor in the nonprofit tech space. His ability to navigate complex decision-making processes ensures that organizations can effectively enhance their operational capabilities and achieve their strategic objectives.
Brianna Maltese serves as the Associate Director of the Spire Society at St. John Fisher University, where she oversees donor engagement initiatives, manages membership development, and strengthens relationships with leadership-level donors. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and advancing the University's mission through impactful donor engagement and strategic program management.
Kevin Manne, APR is Associate Director of Communications for the University at Buffalo’s School of Management. He supports its strategic communications, public relations and media relations needs to enhance its reputation and advance its mission, vision and values. Since joining the school in 2012, he also has served as editor of Buffalo Business, the school’s alumni magazine. Manne’s work has been recognized with more than 50 awards from the Public Relations Society of America, SUNYCUAD and CASE, including six "best in show" platinum awards. He served in numerous leadership roles on PRSA Buffalo Niagara's board of directors, including a term as chapter president, and received the chapter’s Outstanding Practitioner Award in 2023. He earned an MBA from the UB School of Management, a bachelor’s in Public Communication from Buffalo State University and is accredited in public relations. When he’s not in the office, he can often be found tinkering with technology, watching baseball or spending time with his wife, son and rescue dog.
Janet Masini is Director of Alumni Programs for Stony Brook University. With 16 years of experience in Advancement, she leads strategic alumni engagement initiatives for a network of over 220,000 members. Her work focuses on fostering meaningful connections – helping alumni to reconnect, socialize, support one another in their careers and give back to their alma mater. She has extensive experience guiding alumni, volunteers, board members and committees in impactful activities that strengthen their university ties while expanding their personal and professional networks. She leads efforts to build and sustain vibrant alumni communities across the U.S. and beyond, collaborating with schools and colleges to develop enriching programs that inspire lifelong engagement. Currently, she takes pride in growing and leading a team of talented alumni relations professionals, working together to ensure the continued success of her team’s programs and initiatives. Her passion lies in creating opportunities for alumni to stay connected, no matter their distance from campus.
Julianne Merz is the Annual Giving Coordinator at Stony Brook University, where she analyzes fundraising metrics, oversees volunteer participation, and supports donor cultivation and stewardship strategies. She also leads a team of student Content Creators who connect with alumni through personalized video messages. Before joining Stony Brook University in 2024, Julianne worked in fundraising at Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and gained experience in digital marketing with the Hudson Valley Venture Hub. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from SUNY New Paltz and an MBA in Marketing from Stony Brook University.
Max Morgan is the founder and principal of MHTN Strategies, an advisory firm obsessed with telling compelling visual stories for the world’s leading and emerging brands and voices. Over the past decade, Max has shaped some of this era’s most pivotal stories – from conceptualizing the future of work with AI, to driving investment, enrollment and alumni engagement across SUNY campuses, to championing innovation driving a clean energy future.
Combining data-driven insights with design-focused strategies, Max’s work has tested – and proven – that stakeholder action is primarily motivated by visual stimulation. With a background in higher education, technology, energy, finance, public infrastructure, and labor relations, Max integrates public affairs strategies with visual cognition principles to deliver transformative results.
The New York Times has described Max’s work as “bold,” while MHTN has been recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies by Inc. Magazine, one of the fastest-growing agencies by ADWEEK, and a “Best in the United States” B2B service provider by Inc. Magazine. The firm has earned more than a dozen awards for its innovative visual communication framework across web, video, strategic communications, and marketing applications.
Under Max’s leadership, governments, nonprofits, and public and private organizations trust MHTN for comprehensive marketing and communications strategy and execution. The firm's proprietary data and analytics engine, Quant, generates actionable insights to drive campaign strategy, optimize performance, and contextualize results.
Before developing his visual communication framework, Max led strategic and digital communications in the public and private sectors. His career includes key roles supporting a current Fortune 100 tech CEO, a New York State Governor, and a statewide higher education system of colleges and universities. In these capacities, Max’s work has been instrumental to compelling action across a spectrum of constituencies, from investors to employees and voters to prospective students.
Max is author of End of Words and holds a B.S. in economics and political science from the University at Albany and an M.P.A. with a concentration in public finance from New York University. He resides in New York with his wife, Maria.
Kevin Morgenstein Fuerst is the Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving, Marketing and Pipeline Development at the University of Vermont Foundation. Kevin has led the annual giving, leadership annual giving, and marketing teams during his 11 years at the UVM Foundation. Additionally, he is responsible for donor pipeline development. Kevin holds a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Tim Nekritz is director of communications for SUNY Oswego, spearheading storytelling activities across a range of digital platforms, as well as serving as a lead in media relations, emergency communications and top-level writing projects. He launched and served as initial content creator/coordinator for Oswego’s key social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and X, plus channels that have faded into obscurity. Nekritz has presented nationally and internationally on topics including web writing, social media content/strategy, student storytelling and more. He also teaches courses at Oswego on communication strategy, content creation and blues history. His education is all-SUNY, with a master's in history from SUNY Oswego, a bachelor's in Communications from SUNY Brockport and an associate's in Telecommunications from Cayuga Community College. Much of his spare time is occupied by music, including performing in two bands (The Condescenders and Whiskey Spirits), founding/hosting a monthly Songwriters Circle and founding/producing a Variety Show series.
Kim Nyoni, MA, is the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement & Campaign Co-Director with the University at Buffalo (UB). He serves on the UB Advancement executive team as the chief development officer and oversees its comprehensive development program that includes centralized fundraising teams, athletics, schools and academic units. A 19-year advancement veteran, Kim joined UB from the University of Florida, where he served as Assistant Vice President for Advancement. He has also led development programs as Associate Vice President for Development with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During his career, he has been part of advancement teams at the University of Missouri, University of Arizona, Utah State University and University of California Berkeley. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Advertising. He also attended the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Brian O’Leary is a leader in development and development communications within higher education and social impact sectors. Brian has created successful fundraising strategies for large institutions, increasing private support across all giving levels ranging from annual giving to mega giving. Brian has led highly effective campaign communications teams during quiet and public campaign phases, while successfully managing budgets and delivering results within established time frames. Previously, Brian held positions with the Rutgers University Foundation during a $1 billion campaign and served in leadership roles for the New Jersey Audubon Society, the United States Fund for UNICEF, and the Princeton Art Association (ARTWORKS).
Michelle Ouellette, APR: Previously, SUNY Plattsburgh’s director of public relations and publications, Michelle Ouellette, is the current chair of the college’s Department of Journalism and Public Relations and the winner of two Chancellor’s Awards. Her research has focused on crisis response and the role of emotion in communicating effectively, with recent topics including the power of awe in a time of division and mental health crises, as well as the role of somatics in helping communicators navigate in a crisis-ridden world.
Lukas Perry is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in higher education and marketing, dedicated to creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered. His career began as a sculptural artist, using his work to explore and celebrate queer representation. This foundation in storytelling and visual communication laid the groundwork for his career in digital strategy and education access. Committed to breaking down barriers to higher education, Lukas has worked to expand opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that college remains an accessible and equitable path for all. His leadership style prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and the management of diverse teams, fostering environments that uplift unique perspectives and drive meaningful change. With experience in Enrollment, Advancement, and Marketing Communications, Lukas serves as the Associate Director of Digital Communications and Web Strategy at Alfred State, where he leads initiatives that blend technology, design and inclusivity to support the college's initiatives.
Alexandra Richter joined the University at Buffalo’s School of Management in 2023. As Assistant Director of Communications, she contributes to elevating the school's reputation and advancing its mission, vision and values through communications, public relations and media relations. She is also an editor of Buffalo Business magazine. She has received five awards from the Public Relations Society of America and two awards from SUNYCUAD for her work in communications. Richter serves on the board of directors for the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, where she has performed as a soprano since 2011. Richter and the chorus won the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. She has also served on the board of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, where she was awarded the Rising Star Award in 2015 for her work as co-chair of the media and marketing committee. Richter is a member of the Leadership Buffalo Rising Leaders Class of 2020. She earned a master’s in educational studies - foundations of education and policy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s in History, with a minor in Business, from SUNY Geneseo. She enjoys skiing, spending time in nature with her husband and rescue dog, supporting Buffalo arts and cultural organizations, and is working on her first novel.
Janet B. Rossbach is Director of Alumni Relations at SUNY New Paltz. She has over 20 years of experience leading the alumni relations offices of some of New York City's top colleges and universities, including: CUNY-Baruch College, Columbia Business School, Cooper Union, and the School of Visual Arts. During her tenure at Baruch College, the Princeton Review ranked Baruch among the Top 20 Public College Alumni Networks for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Janet has been successful in expanding alumni career programming, building national and international-volunteer lead alumni clubs, and developing corporate alumni networks with top employers in tandem with multiple campus partners. She has hosted alumni events across six continents with budgets ranging from zero dollars to $2 million. Janet is also the Co-Dean of the grassroots philanthropy, the Awesome Newburgh Foundation, in her hometown of Newburgh, NY. Janet holds a BA from Georgetown University, an MS in Management from The New School, and a Certificate in Career Coaching from NACE.
Christyn Sanagursky is the director of development at the Monroe Community College Foundation. She is passionate about improving access to higher education and cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors for scholarships and programs that promote student success. She also serves on SUNYCUAD’s board of directors and volunteers with a Rochester-area non-profit delivering groceries to community members in need. She previously held a variety of positions in advancement and alumni relations at the University of Rochester and earned her bachelor’s in Communications from American University in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Christyn enjoys checking out new restaurants, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her dog, Ginger.
Lisa Sandick serves as Program Director for Special Events & Sponsorships in the SUNY New Paltz Office of Development & Alumni Relations. During her 15+ years there, she has led and executed numerous large-scale institutional and signature events such as commencement, the Women's Leadership Summit, Distinguished Speaker Series, the Annual Golf Tournament and other cultivation events. She is also responsible for corporate fundraising and raises thousands of dollars annually. Her extensive event management, fundraising and marketing expertise has spanned nearly four decades in non-profit higher education, healthcare and corporate sectors. In 2023, she received her Master of Professional Studies degree in Social Justice Education Studies from SUNY New Paltz, to pair with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is also the 2016 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. She resides in the Hudson Valley with her husband and daughter and is the proud owner of Earl the black lab and "Felix" the cat.
Maherly Schaeffer currently serves as the assistant director of advanced communications at St. John Fisher University and plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategic communication initiatives with a focus on alumni engagement and fundraising. As a proud Fisher alumna, she feels strongly about the importance of maintaining a strong connection between Fisher’s past and Fisher’s future to advance the University. Through print, digital and social channels, she shares stories of alumni, students, faculty and staff to engage diverse audiences and foster pride and involvement. She has worked for four of Fisher’s seven presidents – beginning as a work study student in the President’s Office – and is a committed steward of Fisher’s history.
In her daily work, Maherly does everything from graphic design and writing to editing and layout. She is editor-in-chief of Collegium magazine (which won the 2022 Prism Award for Not-for-Profit magazines), content creator for Fisher alumni social media channels, and develops direct mail fundraising pieces, designs capital campaign major gift donor proposals and produces all alumni event invitations. And her favorite lunch spot is New York State’s No. 1-rated dining hall at Fisher.
In addition to her professional work, she enjoys being a part of the Canandaigua community. She is on the executive board of the Canandaigua Girls Volleyball Boosters and volunteers with the Canandaigua football and baseball organizations. She has also served on the board of The Spot, an organization focused on providing resources and support to children in the Canandaigua district. A Southern Tier native, she enjoys being outside (except for rainy baseball games) and can often be found begging her family to walk the dogs with her.
Lisa Schappert has been with the SUNY Broome Foundation since January 2018 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Development & Alumni Relations. Prior to this position, Lisa worked in healthcare fundraising and nonprofit consulting work. She has a bachelor of science in Business Administration and a master's in Nonprofit Management.
Zack Schneider has over a decade of experience in advertising and marketing with an astute focus on digital media. During his six years as the owner of an interactive shop in Buffalo, he consistently hit marketing demands for clients such as the University of Buffalo, PBS, Symantec and New Era. He also spent one year as the director of a Buffalo advertising agency working with corporations like M&T Bank and General Electric. At 15 Fingers, Zack has helped to build marketing campaigns for notable brands such as RG Berry Co., the New York Philharmonic, Kobo and Estee Lauder.
Adam Standish is SUNY Brockport’s Director of Giving. With 25 years of experience, he has been a dedicated leader, driving impact across multiple areas of the institution. He plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's philanthropic mission, with a strong focus on developing a robust corporate giving program that fosters strategic partnerships and long-term support. Adam has expanded corporate engagement efforts, securing transformational gifts and aligning corporate philanthropy with institutional priorities. Under his leadership, SUNY Brockport has strengthened its corporate partnerships, leveraging sponsorships, employee engagement initiatives, and industry collaborations to drive student success, research opportunities and community impact. Passionate about creating win-win relationships between higher education and the business community, Adam is committed to helping corporate partners maximize their impact through innovative giving strategies. Adam’s leadership at SUNY Brockport continues to open new doors for collaboration, ensuring that corporate giving is not just a transaction — but a catalyst for lasting change.
Nicole Tennant has almost 20 years’ experience in higher education event management. Her team is responsible for producing high quality events for the purposes of fundraising, stewardship, and/or cultivation in support of Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. Prior to joining Stony Brook in 2012, Nicole was Associate Director of Special Events at Hofstra University. Nicole received her Bachelor's in Communications from St. John’s University and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University.
Serena Tolar is Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at MHTN Strategies and the driving force behind MHTN Quant, where she leads data-driven marketing initiatives that shape the future of enrollment outreach. As the lead strategist behind the firm’s higher education practice, she partners with universities to develop research-backed enrollment marketing strategies that resonate with the next generation of students. With deep expertise in audience segmentation, behavioral insights, and digital engagement, Serena ensures institutions stay ahead of shifting student expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Serena’s work spans dynamic and robust website projects, brand conceptualization, and paid media campaigns, always with a foundation in data analysis and performance measurement. She has played a pivotal role in leveraging proprietary research and cutting-edge analytics to refine recruitment strategies that maximize impact and drive enrollment growth.
Beyond higher education, Serena’s background is uniquely diverse, with experience across wireless technology, law, economic development, nonprofits, climate action, and app/web development. This cross-industry expertise gives her a broad perspective on digital transformation, allowing her to apply best practices from multiple sectors to modern enrollment marketing challenges. The New York resident holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Millsaps College and an MBA from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.
Kate Torok is the director of marketing and communications at St. John Fisher University, where she has worked since 2010. She serves as the principal brand ambassador for Fisher, leading the team who develops integrated communications strategies and tactics, the University’s website and social media platforms, brand awareness and recruitment marketing and advertising campaigns; as well as oversees internal communications, alumni outreach, development support, and publications, among other projects. She also serves as a member of the University's senior staff and works closely with the University president and senior leadership team on internal/external communication strategy, correspondence, messaging, planning, and crisis communications.
She is a passionate advocate for organizations that support children and young adults facing cancer, and a staunch supporter and former employee of Camp Good Days and Special Times. She is a former board member of 13thirty Cancer Connect and in 2024, joined the Camp Good Days Board of Directors. She also serves as the co-president of Penfield's Bay Trail Middle School Parent Teacher Association and served as the newsletter editor and chair of the Scholarship Committee of the Parent Teacher Association at Cobbles Elementary School in Penfield for many years. Finally, she is a member of the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Kate has been the recipient of the PRSA Rising Star Award, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Cameo Volunteer Award, and Camp Good Days and Special Times Teddi Award. Most recently, she was inducted into Camp Good Days' Ring of Honor for her years of volunteerism and commitment to the organization.
At Fisher, she received the Freshman “Rookie of the Year” Award in 2011, and received the Lou Buttino Faculty and Staff Award in 2016 and the Paul Klee Award in 2023, both given by the Teddi Dance for Love Committee each year. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award. In 2018, the marketing and communications team received the inaugural Great Group Award presented by the University’s Staff Recognition Committee.
Originally from Syracuse, Kate graduated from St. Bonaventure University’s Russell Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication, including a short stint abroad at Bond University in Queensland, Australia where she met her husband, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She is the proud mother of Grace and Paige, and the author of her own blog, More Than a Mom.
Emily Tucker is the Assistant Director of Leadership Annual Giving at the University at Buffalo, where she builds and strengthens relationships through personalized engagement and giving strategies that align with donor values and the university’s mission. She is a seasoned development professional with over a decade of experience in fundraising, donor relations and strategic communications. Her expertise lies in cultivating philanthropic support through one-on-one outreach, campaign coordination and cross-campus collaboration. She plays a key role in identifying and stewarding leadership-level donors, helping to drive annual giving goals and long-term donor retention. Her approach blends data-informed strategy with authentic storytelling to foster meaningful donor connections and elevate the impact of giving. Prior to joining UB, Emily held development and communication roles at several cultural institutions, where she honed her skills in audience engagement and nonprofit storytelling. Her interdisciplinary foundation includes a practice as a gallerist and art curator — experiences that continue to inform her work with a deep appreciation for narrative, design and community connection. She is passionate about the power of philanthropy to drive systemic change and is dedicated to fostering inclusive, mission-driven advancement practices.
Donnie Walters is the Associate Director of Annual Giving at SUNY Brockport with more than 15 years of fundraising experience. He has led Brockport’s annual Day of Giving Campaign since 2022 and helped increase their fundraising results by more than 120%. Donnie is a SUNY graduate who is deeply committed to removing barriers that prohibit students from completing their college education.
Angela Wambugu Cobb is Vice President for Institutional Advancement at SUNY Old Westbury and Executive Director of the Old Westbury College Foundation. She has over 20 years as a trusted fundraising executive, having worked with leading higher education, social justice, international human rights, health and social service organizations. She is a strategic planner, program and infrastructure developer, and partner in service to underserved and marginalized communities. In her current capacity, she oversees fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement and program development. She worked previously in an executive capacity for 14 years at the City University of New York (CUNY). She served eight years at CUNY’s Bronx Community College (BCC) as the Assistant Vice President for Development, and six years at CUNY’s LaGuardia Community College as Director of Development. She has also been Assistant Director for Major Gifts at Amnesty International USA, Director of Foundation Relations at St. John’s University, and held multiple roles at the National Hemophilia Foundation. She is a native New Yorker and attained her Master of Arts in Urban Studies from CUNY – Queens College, and her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University.
Ben Wendrow brings over 12 years of experience in professional fundraising and development to the table. As the Director of Development at SUNY Oneonta, he is responsible for leading a department that handles all aspects of the university’s annual fund (Fund for Oneonta) initiatives, donor stewardship and events, advancement services, and database management programs. Ben is passionate about finding ways to collect, visualize and analyze alumni, donor and charitable giving data to inform strategic decisions and resource allocations. He also serves as the treasurer for the SUNYCUAD Board of Directors.
Gretchen Wood, CFRE, is Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Monroe Community College (MCC) and Executive Director of the Monroe Community College Foundation in Rochester, N.Y. In addition to overseeing the College’s Community Relations, Institutional Research, Institutional Planning, Effectiveness and Accountability, and Institutional Compliance and Internal Audit departments, she facilitates a comprehensive fundraising program at the MCC Foundation in support of the College led by a volunteer board of 59 business and community leaders. Gretchen has worked in fundraising for more than 20 years and holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and English Education from Syracuse University.
Gretchen is Chair of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Mid-Atlantic District Cabinet and a Past-President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter. She also serves on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Public Relations, Advocacy and Advancement. She is a frequent presenter at conferences locally and nationally and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Gretchen received a Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence Award in 2019, was a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce 2023 ATHENA International Award Finalist and was named the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter 2023 Robert A. Clinger Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
Margaret Wood-McGrath holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership, both from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla. She spent five years in the marketing field between earning her degrees, gaining valuable experience in campaign development, graphic design, communications, and brand strategy. She joined Stony Brook University in 2019 as a Residence Hall Director (RHD), focusing on student development and fostering a supportive residential community. In 2020, she began splitting her time between her RHD responsibilities and marketing for Campus Residences. In 2022, she transitioned fully into her current role as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Campus Residences. In this role, she leads the creation of marketing campaigns, graphic design projects and visual media, including photography and videography. She also manages the Campus Residences website and develops strategic communications to provide students and families with important resources and updates. Her work ensures a consistent brand presence across all platforms while promoting the residential life experience at Stony Brook University.