Lynnette M. Heard fills newly created board relations role
CINCINNATI – Feb. 25, 2014 – Nearly 40 years after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Lynnette M. Heard, who has a master’s in education, joined the UC Foundation on Feb. 19 as the organization’s first Director of Foundation Board Relations.
In this newly created position, she will assist the UC Foundation president in leading, organizing and overseeing planning, strategies, and operations of the UC Foundation Board of Trustees. She graduated from UC in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Education.
Inspired by her own experience, Lynnette is excited to be a part of an organization that helps students’ dreams of a quality education come true.
“I am truly honored and humbled to have this special opportunity to give back to the University of Cincinnati, which has brought so much to my life. As an undergraduate student and scholarship recipient, I didn’t realize the impact of philanthropy had on my journey,” she said, “Now, as a board professional, I’m delighted to be a partner with UC Foundation leadership to enable others to benefit from the highest levels of excellence forged by the University of Cincinnati.”
Lynnette, who lives in West Chester, spent the early part of her career in marketing and communications. She later moved into educational administrative leadership roles, including executive director of the Office of the President at the University of Dayton, executive director for the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) and executive assistant to President and Secretary to the Board at Wright State University. She has held national positions with the Association of Governing Boards and the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education.
She was most recently president and CEO of BRIDGES for a Just Community.
“I am thrilled Lynnette has joined our team. Her expertise in board relations and her vast community connections are sure to inspire our board. Her skillset is a perfect match to cultivate our board members’ talent and expertise to the fullest for the betterment of our advancement efforts at UC,” said UC Foundation President Rod Grabowski.
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About The University of Cincinnati Foundation
Established in 1975, The University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and is the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati. The Foundation supports UC’s aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center and other units to maximize private support. The Foundation’s advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, visit uc.edu/foundation.
