Experienced alumni relations professional selected to fill key leadership role
CINCINNATI – March 12, 2014 – The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association (UCAA) will welcome a new executive director on April 14, 2014. Jennifer Heisey will assume a dual role of executive director of UCAA and vice president of alumni relations for the UC Foundation.
Heisey’s core responsibilities will be to provide strategic leadership and vision for UCAA while managing the daily operations of alumni staff and volunteers. She will work closely with the UC Foundation president to connect with alumni and cultivate development opportunities for the university. Her efforts, along with those of UCAA staff and volunteers, ensure that alumni stay engaged and active in the UC community.
“It is clear that this university is headed in the right direction, and the strategic development of our alumni engagement efforts is a critical component in our institutional journey,” said Heisey. “I’m especially proud to have the privilege of doing this work at my alma mater, working with my fellow Bearcats.”
Most recently, Heisey served as associate vice president for alumni relations and annual giving as well as the executive director of the alumni association at the University of Louisville. Prior to that, she led alumni affairs efforts for SUNY College at Buffalo. She brings more than 15 years of experience to UC from higher education institutions where she developed exemplary leadership, advancement and relationship building skills. Heisey has vast experience in alumni relations at institutions of comparable size to UC.
“The executive director role is one of integral importance to any university’s advancement and alumni relations efforts,” said Rod Grabowski, UC Foundation president and VP of development and alumni relations, UC. “Jen is an expert in alumni relations and possesses strong leadership and collaboration skills that are vital in this profession. The many years of experience she has will be of unprecedented value to our organization.”
In addition to her UC degree, Heisey earned a Master’s degree in higher education administration from Wright State University. She is an active member of the Council for Alumni Association Executives (CAAE) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
“On behalf of the alumni association board of governors, I’m happy to welcome Jen Heisey back to the UC community in this new role,” said Laurence Jones, UCAA president. “As an engaged alumna, it is like she never truly left. Her enthusiasm and long-standing history of success are sure to be an asset to the alumni association and the UC Foundation.”
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