Staffing Matters

 New Staff

Justin Ewing

Senior Associate Director of Gift Planning
University Advancement

Justin, a Kentucky native, has nearly a decade of experience in higher education. His interest in charitable gift planning began while pursuing his juris doctor at Notre Dame Law School. He comes to UVA from Centre College, where he served as Executive Director of Gift Planning. Prior to his time there, he was Associate Director for Gift Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as liaison to several affiliated foundations, partnering with development officers to advise donors on deferred and tax-efficient charitable gift strategies. He is a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar and is active in the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Justin enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, and son, Emmett. He looks forward to joining UVA Advancement.  

Congratulations, Justin!

New Staff

Michael Brophy

Director of Pipeline Development
Darden School Foundation

Welcome to Michael Brophy as our new Director of Pipeline Development. Michael brings a wealth of experience in tech and entrepreneurship, beginning his career as a product manager at a tech startup. Since then, he’s worked with small, agile teams to leverage technology and data for smarter decision-making. Recently, he launched a portable storage business with his two brothers—think PODs. Michael is a proud 2019 Darden graduate and Genovese Fellow. He has called Charlottesville home since 2017, where he lives with his wife and their four-year-old daughter.  

Congratulations, Michael!

 New Staff

Camille Lipnicky

Advancement Coordinator
Library 

Camille is joining UVA Advancement after just over two years as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences. When she is not at work, Camille enjoys playing board, tabletop and videogames with her spouse and their friends.  

Congratulations, Camille!

 Farewell

Astrid Henriksen

Associate Director
Data and Reporting Specialist  

Astrid is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to UVA. Astrid started in Advancement as a prospect researcher and her interests and talents lead to her to become our first data analyst, laying the path for others! Astrid is not only well known as a wonderful source of knowledge, but someone with whom to discuss ideas, collaborate, and gain new perspectives. Her last day in the office will be November 9th.  

Thank you, and congratulations on this new chapter, Astrid! 

New Staff

Sneha Mandhadi

Salesforce Solutions Engineer  
University Advancement

Hi everyone, I'm Sneha. I'm excited to be joining University Of Virginia and look forward to working with and getting to know you all. I have around 6 year of experience in Salesforce Administration/Development. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and discovering new cultures, spending time with my family. Exploring new places and experiencing different perspectives keeps me inspired and energized. 

Congratulations, Sneha!

New Staff

Lauren Flora

Project Associate
Event Experiences

Lauren is joining UVA from Shenandoah University, where she led the Admissions events team. Prior to Shenandoah, she was at Bridgewater College where she spent 3 years managing campus-wide events.  She is a graduate of Bridgewater College with a Bachelor's degree in Art with a Digital Media Concentration. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, cheering on the Baltimore Orioles, and spending time with her family, especially her two nieces.

Congratulations, Lauren!

Chaitra Madhusudhan

Salesforce Solutions Engineer
University Advancement

Chaitra an experienced Salesforce Developer/Admin with over 5 years of experience in creating Salesforce-centric enterprise solutions, with a focus on Sales and Service Cloud applications. Previously, she worked at Experian Consumer Services, and she holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton. She lives in Irvine, CA with her husband and 8 year old son. Outside of work, she loves spending time with my family, cooking, reading about tech trends, watching movies, staying active through yoga and fitness. She enjoys assisting various programs/services offered by Chinmaya Mission of Los Angeles, a spiritual organization.

Congratulations, Chaitra!

New Staff

Madison Hickman

Donor Experience Officer
University Advancement 

Madison is a Charlottesville native with a passion for higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Auburn University and her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs at the University of Georgia. Professional opportunities at the University of Georgia, Cal Poly, and, most recently, the University of West Florida have afforded her valuable experience in multiple functional areas. Madison is also the owner of Madly Made, a custom stationery and wedding paper business. She married her college sweetheart, Jake, in 2023 and you can usually find her baking new recipes in her spare time! 

Congratulations, Madison!

Ebony Gaines

Donor Experience Officer
University Advancement

Ebony is a communications specialist with eight years of administration experience and four years of project management experience in the nonprofit benevolent and philanthropic sector. She is a wife and a new mom to an eight-month-old little girl. She enjoys creative writing and has a deep sense of wanderlust, as she loves to travel.

Congratulations, Ebony!

Farewell
 

Karen Sowers

Advancement Associate
Event Experiences 

Karen Sowers will begin a new role as the FOIA/eDiscovery Administrative Assistant for the Office of University Council. Karen has been an invaluable part of the Event Experiences team, contributing immensely to our work. Her energy, dedication, and determination have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has brought to the table.

While we will certainly miss Karen, we are also excited to see her thrive in this new role. Please join me in congratulating Karen on this fantastic new chapter and wishing her all the success in the future. Her last day in the office will be Wednesday, October 16th.

Good luck, Karen!

 Farewell

Lilly Suwinski

Prospect Analyst
University Advancement 

Lilly Suwinski has departed UVA to serve as a Prospect Research Analyst at Henry Ford Health. While in her former role, Lilly was an incredible asset to Pod 1 and the Analyst group on the PMRA team; bringing not only her expertise in the prospect analysis space but also a considerate and warm spirit that kept everyone uplifted. Her contributions to Health System development processes and color/cat loving spirit will be missed. The PMR&A team wishes Lilly the best on her next adventure! 

Good luck, Lilly!

New Staff
 

Kevin Barry

Director of Development
Karsh Institute 

Kevin first came to UVA from the University of Maryland's Office of Gift Planning, and has spent the past five years serving as a Director of Development with the College Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hunting for vinyl records, and exploring Virginia's many growing wineries. 

Congratulations, Kevin!

New Role
 

Kelly Graham

Director of Development
University Library 

Kelly Graham will join the University Library team as its new Director of Development and begins her new role on September 23. Kelly joins the Library from the University Priorities team, where she has served since 2021, most recently as Senior Associate Director of Development. Prior to her “return” to UVA, Kelly held a variety of roles in University Advancement at William & Mary, including her last position as Assistant Dean for Development at W&M Law School. Kelly will report to Heather Engel.

Congratulations, Kelly!

New Staff
 

Erin Wissing

Deputy Executive Director
Virginia Athletics Foundation 

Wissing joins the VAF after spending the past seven years at Furman where she played a key role in the vision and oversight of athletics fundraising, leading all aspects of philanthropy for Furman Athletics. Read more here. 

Welcome, Erin!

Chrissy Lucey 

Advancement Coordinator
School of Engineering 

I have experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors working in advancement, development, and administration. I have two amazing kids and enjoy reading and crafting in my free time. 

Welcome, Chrissy!


 

Kristina Snyder

Senior Associate Director of Development
Parents Program   

I recently spent 9.5 years with the Parents Programs and Giving team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  I am a lifelong Marylander who loves 'all things Chesapeake Bay', traveling and hometown sports.  Go O's and Go Ravens! 

Welcome, Kristina!

 Farewell
 

Akilah Blakey

Prospect Researcher
Advancement Operations

The PMR&A team gives a fond farewell to Akilah, who is leaving UVA to pursue a new opportunity. Her last day with us is Thursday, September 12. We appreciate all of her work and collegial spirit and wish her the best in her next chapter!

Good luck, Akilah!

Representing UVA

Ryan Collins, Ali Freeman, and Chris Hubert presented, You Can Have It All! Building a Lead Program that Works for Everyone at the APRA conference in Seattle, Washington on August 22. In their presentation, they recounted the journey to build a holistic lead program that serves all of UVA and shared the pain points, blind spots, and innovative solutions they found along the way.  

New Staff
 

Hannah Foster

Associate Director of Annual Giving
Fralin Museum of Art 

Hannah joined The Fralin Museum of Art and University Advancement after serving as the director of a contemporary art gallery in New York City. She is also a writer with bylines in The New York Times, Hyperallergic, Dance Magazine, The Brooklyn Rail, and more, and in a past life she was a professional ballet dancer. She is thrilled to have defeated Jake Pittman at the recent development retreat's rock paper scissors tournament. (Sorry not sorry Jake!) 

Welcome, Hannah!

Amanda Rae 

Creative Project Manager
Advancement Communications  

I previously worked at The Global Headquarters of Under Armour as a Footwear Developer, executing signature designs for professional and collegiate athletes. I love to spend time with my family and ideally you will find us at the beach, pool or a sporting event. I love trying new breweries, wineries and food spots. 

Welcome, Amanda!


 

Melissa Hannah

Assistant Director
Digital Engagement  

Melissa Hannah is a marketing specialist with extensive experience in digital marketing, social media, and email marketing. Over the past two years, she helped develop, brand, and market the successful employment program at UVA called Pipelines & Pathways, driving success in event marketing campaigns and recruitment initiatives. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University, and her Digital Marketing Certificate from UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Melissa is now the Assistant director for Digital Engagement at the Office of Engagement at UVA, where she will focus on email marketing campaigns for events. She is originally from Nashville, Tennessee and lives with her husband and her pet cat, Marbles. Melissa enjoys spending her free time by playing video games, writing, creating art, or sewing. 

Welcome, Melissa!

New Staff
 

Jon Holmsted 

Director of Development
Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

Jon is a 2010 graduate of UVA (College of Arts & Sciences) where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with a minor in Economics. Jon and his wife Maddie are Charlottesville residents, and she is also a UVA alum. 

Jon has six years of experience in political campaigns, political fundraising, and institutional grant-seeking from his previous work with The Bonner Group and Elevate in Washington D.C.  

He has been with UVA for six and a half years, starting his career as an Associate Director of Development for the College Foundation. During this time, he oversaw volunteer fundraising boards, led fundraising for the unrestricted College Fund, and assumed major gift responsibility on a regional basis. Jon transitioned into his next role at UVA with the Virginia Athletics Foundation where he worked for two years fundraising, offering elevated stewardship to multi-year donors, helped tremendously to establish the Baseball Coaches Club, and most recently served as Director of Major Gifts. 

Jon is now joining the Batten School as the new Director of Development, and he will be splitting his time between Garrett Hall and the UVA Advancement office on Old Ivy Road. 

Welcome, Jon!

Mary Leggett 

Direct Marketing Strategist
Office of Engagement 

Mary is the new Direct Marketing Strategist for University Annual Giving Direct Marketing. In her role, Mary will manage the coordination, execution, and analysis of data for multi-channel appeals. She joins us from The University of Pennsylvania where she worked in College Houses and Academic Services. Mary graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in English focusing on Digital Literacy. She loves backpacking, sewing, 1970s American cinema and trying new food from around the world. 

Welcome, Mary!


 

Peter Daniel

Associate Director of Development
School of Architecture  

I am a Virginia native and graduate of UVa, as is one of my 2 sons. A marketing and stock brokerage experience in my early years led to an investment banking career in New York. Additionally I pursued my passions in art and architecture through the Philip Johnson Glass House and most recently as Trustee and Treasurer for the UVa Architecture School Foundation. My farm, Highfield, is my contribution to sustainable tree management and erosion control that I have engineered. I enjoy tennis, hiking, classic design homes and automobiles, 25 handicap golf. 

Welcome, Peter!

Role Change
 

Mary Clyde Bissett

Project Associate
Engagement  

Mary Clyde Bissett started her new role as the University Annual Giving Direct Marketing Project Associate on Monday, August 26. She previously worked as the Development Associate for the Library Advancement team since June 2022 (immediately following her graduation from UVA!). At Library, Mary Clyde supported engagement and donor relations efforts through event planning and record management. In her new role, Mary Clyde will provide support to the Direct Marketing team. Congrats, Mary Clyde! 

Congratulations, Mary!

New Staff
 

Tifany Hendricks 

Senior Associate Director, Health Development Partnerships

I am a mom to a nine-year-old boy. In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and traveling to new places. I love visiting wineries and trying new restaurants. I have a passion for food! I love cooking and trying new recipes. 

Welcome, Tifany!

Kelly Ard 

Assistant Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations

Kelly Ard joined Auburn University in July 2015 in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations where she focused on developing strategic corporate relationships to maximize engagement and philanthropic support. In that role, Kelly worked with institutional leaders, faculty, and administrators across the university to identify mutually beneficial partnerships to advance the institution’s mission and initiatives. By aligning university initiatives with corporate and industry demands, Kelly facilitated collaborative approaches to corporate partnerships leveraging workforce demands, economic development, and impact. With a mission to seek and secure financial support from corporate and foundation entities, she assisted with identifying new partnerships and establishing a seamless experience for companies and foundations to engage with the university.  

Most recently, Kelly served at the Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, leading the fundraising efforts for the college including managing, mentoring and coaching development officers and coordinators; implementing strategic stewardship and engagement plans; and working with the dean to ensure that all the college’s development and fundraising goals were met. Additionally, Kelly also served as a major gift fundraiser for the college and managed a robust portfolio.  

Prior to joining Auburn University, Kelly was a firm administrator and paralegal facilitating corporate transactions and interests, driving business development initiatives, corporate outreach efforts, and aligning corporate/501c3 development needs with social responsibility efforts – among other areas within the legal field including criminal, family, and insurance defense law. In 2013, she established her own client base and assisted numerous companies and local businesses with community outreach and fundraising initiatives. 

Throughout her career at Auburn University, Kelly has instructed (intermittently) the Paralegal Certification Course in the Office of Professional & Continuing Education – Auburn University Outreach.  

Kelly received a bachelor’s degree in history from James Madison University, with a minor in Italian language and studies. Her husband, Dalton, is a small business owner in the Auburn area. They have a nine-year-old son, Aplin.  

Welcome, Kelly!
 

Richard Jones

Associate Director of Development
UVA Parents Program 

Richard has spent the past decade serving in independent schools in a number of teaching, coaching, and administrative roles. An avid reader and writer, his nose is usually buried in a book during his free time -- if he isn't playing with his nephews or hiking with his lab, Zeke. 

Welcome, Richard!

Abigail Kimbrough 

Senior Associate Director, Philanthropic Partnerships, Cancer Programs 

Abby joins us from Albemarle County Public Schools, where she has been a teaching assistant in a first grade classroom for the last three years. Prior to that, she has been a full time wife and mom to husband Lance and her three children (Henry, Margaret, and Mac), as well as a community volunteer with many organizations. In her professional career, Abby worked as a major gift officer for the College of Arts & Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill and as the Senior Director for Development at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. In her free time, you might find Abby curled up with a compelling work of fiction, but most likely she is cheering on her family as they do what they love (investing/building spreadsheets, track and field, field hockey, and basketball). 

Welcome, Abby!
 

Savannah Blake

Assistant Director, Direct Marketing 
University Advancement 

Savannah Blake joins us from Washington and Lee University, where she served as Assistant Director of Annual Giving. Savannah graduated from Longwood University with a degree in History and Political Science. She currently resides in Lexington, Virginia with her husband, two dogs, and cat, where she enjoys reading, cooking, and days spent by the river. 

Welcome, Savannah!

Melanie Simon

Associate Director
Health Development Partnerships  

Melanie has worked at the College Foundation for the past six years in roles relating to stewardship and prospect research. In her free time, she likes to travel, explore new wineries, and spend time at the beach. 

Welcome, Melanie!

Role Change
 

Jessica Robertson

Director of Development
SCPS   

UVA is grateful to announce Jessica Robertson as the new Director of Development, SCPS. 

Congratulations, Jessica!

New Role

Becky Collier 

Assistant Director of Prospect Analytics
Advancement  

The Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics (PMR&A) team is excited to recognize Becky Collier and announce her promotion to Assistant Director of Prospect Analytics! 

An integral member of our prospect analytics team, Becky’s ability to work with complex data and translate its infrastructure has resulted in innovative and impactful deliverables; and her dedication to service excellence ensures that partners across Grounds receive superior support and actionable solutions. 

In this new role, Becky’s natural leadership skills will shine as she takes on the management of campaign analyses and prospect information in our current and future database states—helping to develop guides and standards that will promote informational accuracy and efficiency. As a leading PMR&A liaison for the Business Intelligence and CRM Transition teams, Becky will continue to foster key collaborations by spearheading data-driven strategic initiatives within the department. 

Please join us in congratulating Becky on her next chapter in University Advancement! 

Congratulations, Becky!

Farewell
 

Teresa Liu

Assistant Director of Prospect Analytics
Advancement  

Teresa Liu is leaving UVA to serve as the Sr. Manager for Prospect Management at the Trevor Project, a remarkable organization dedicated to LGBTQIA suicide prevention. While we are sad to see Teresa go, we are incredibly grateful for the significant contributions she has made to our team, including leading the analytics team, participating in the CRM transformation, and analyzing our current and future campaigns. Please join the PMR&A team in congratulating Teresa on her new role!

Best Wishes, Teresa!

Jenn Downey

Development Associate for UVA Health Children's Hospital

Jenn Downey has accepted a new position as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer of Young Life, an organization she has been involved with as a volunteer for many years.  During the past two years, as the Development Associate for the UVA Health Children's team, Jenn worked with her team to develop and cultivate the grateful family philanthropy process and played a vital role in launching the children's campaign to expand the NICU and PICU.  Jenn's last day with UHD will be August 9th.

Best Wishes, Jenn!

Richard Long

Director of Development, UVA Health Children's Hospital 

After two years of leadership with our UVA Health Children’s development team, Richard Long has accepted a new position at Christopher Newport University. His last day at UVA Health Children’s will be on August 9th.  We are grateful for Richard for his dedication in seeking philanthropic support for pediatric initiatives, and for launching our NICU/PICU expansion campaign. He is a thoughtful and strategic leader, and we wish him well in his new role.

Best Wishes, Richard!

JoonHyung Cho

Director of Corporate Relations and Business Development
Corporate and Foundation Relations

Joon Cho's last day with UVA will be August 9, 2024. JoonHyung "Joon" Cho, who has served as the Director of Corporate Relations and Business Development on the CFR team for the past two+ years will be depaturing UVA on August 9th. Joon has been instrumental in building our central corporate relations team and fostering collaborations with stakeholders across Grounds. His background in university-industry research partnerships and technology transfer has significantly furthered our team’s vision of establishing a “front door” or corporate engagement at UVA. Joon’s next stop will be at the University of Minnesota, where he’ll serve as Assistant VP for External Affairs and Communications in the Research and Innovation Office. While we will miss his presence—his optimism and sense of humor—we wish Joon all the best at UMN and all his future endeavors.

Best Wishes, JoonHyung!