Fast Forward: The University of Rochester Advancement E-Newsletter

Kim Cardone joined the advancement communications team as communications assistant at the beginning of April. Kim will be assisting Sam Lopez, interim assistant vice president of advancement communications, as well as working collaboratively with the rest of the team by providing support with projects, writing, proofreading/editing, and project tracking while assuming the administrative functions of the office.

Kim joined the University in 2004 as assistant in development and communications at the Warner School, later becoming development and alumni relations assistant when the two departments split. She received her B.S. in public relations from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in higher education administration from the Warner School.

Nicole Galusha began her responsibilities as secretary to the assistant director and director of alumni and community relations for the School of Nursing in December. Her most recent professional position before joining the UR community was at SUNY Brockport. She has worked for other companies including Raytheon and Boeing Automatric. Nicole earned her B.A. in history from the University of Maryland and B.S. in political science from SUNY Brockport. She is currently working on a master’s degree at St. John Fischer College.

Jennifer Jacoby came onboard in late March as a senior research analyst under the direction of Senior Director of Research and Prospect Management Pete Briechle. Previously, she worked as a prospect research analyst for the Naval Academy Foundation in Annapolis, Md. Jennifer also worked at The Shipley School in Bryan Mawr, Pa. In her new position, she will be responsible for performing research on current and prospective donors using online and University system tools. Jennifer received her B.A. in English from Utica College (formally Utica College of Syracuse University).

Betsy Jenson joined the direct mail/telemarketing annual funds team as a development associate in February. Working with Associate Director in Annual Funds Debra Maddow, she helps manage direct mail and telemarketing campaigns for Simon, Eastman, Eastman Community Music School, Dentistry, Nursing, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Surgery, Urology, and Psychiatry, among other efforts.

Before coming to the University, Betsy worked briefly at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America in New York City as a marketing manager in the planned giving department. Prior to that, she was with Scholastic, the children’s book publisher, where she managed a program offering affordable children’s books to literacy programs across the country. Betsy earned her B.A. in philosophy from Hanover College and did graduate work toward an M.S. in nonprofit management at Milano, the New School for Management and Urban Policy.

Kelly Johnson became associate director of reunion giving at the beginning of March. With her team, she creates and coordinates reunion giving programs for schools within the University. One of their primary goals is to help major gift officers, George Eastman Circle staff members, and others in their fundraising efforts.

Kelly joined the University community in 2003. For her first two years, she was assistant to the director of academic development for the medical center. Then she became a School of Medicine and Dentistry assistant director of development — class agent liaison, a position she held until she moved to her current post. Prior to working at the University, she was marketing director for an estate planning attorney and editor of a market research/new retail product introduction magazine. Kelly earned her B.A. in communications from SUNY Geneseo.

Karen McIntyre was promoted to development program assistant at the Wilmot Cancer Center in March. She first joined the University in September 2006 as secretary IV in the Cancer Center and quickly proved her ability to take the lead in planning events and working with donors. In her new position, she assists Assistant Director of Cancer Center Development Kim Ziegler with special events, solicits community groups to become involved with fundraising initiatives, and updates the cancer center’s website. Karen previously worked at First American Real Estate Tax Service as a liability analyst and at UltraPak as a client services specialist. She received her B.S. in business administration from SUNY Fredonia.

Mary O’Neill became assistant director of reunion giving in February. She manages several programs for the College including the Senior Class Gift, Young Alumni Council, True Blue Society, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th Reunion Classes, with an emphasis on goal-setting, increasing giving and participation, and integrating alumni perspectives with giving programs. Mary is also involved with educating young alumni about giving to the University.

She joined the advancement team last summer as a development associate with the annual fund phone and mail group. Prior to coming to Rochester, she worked in sales for Boyne USA, Inc., the largest privately, family-owned resort company in the United States, at their three Northern Michigan resorts. She also worked in financial service sales in Detroit. Mary earned her B.A. in English from the University of Michigan.

Linda Pettenski joined our team in February as administrative assistant to Associate Vice President for Advancement and Director of University Campaigns Jonathan Schwartz. She has worked at the University for nearly 20 years. Linda started as a secretary in the Director’s Office at Rush Rhees Library. Since then, she has gained experience in several key administrative offices, including the vice president for university advancement, senior vice president for institutional resources, and university advancement services.

Most recently Linda was President Joel Seligman’s chief scheduler. She took a brief hiatus from Rochester during 2006-07 when she lived in Miami, Fla. and worked for the senior vice president for external relations at Florida International University as coordinator of administrative services. Linda holds associate’s degrees in both paralegal studies and secretarial science. She is also a Notary Public for New York State/Monroe County.

Deborah Roller began her responsibilities as presidential travel scheduler in late January. She coordinates travel arrangements for President Joel Seligman and assists with scheduling his advancement-related visits both locally and nationally. Deborah is new to the University of Rochester. Before joining us she was development office manager at the George Eastman House. She has also worked at Van Zile Travel, where she managed that organization’s vacation travel division. Deborah earned her B.A. in religion and philosophy from Hood College.

Janet Wood became administrative assistant to Matthew Haag and Kevin Weekley, directors of major gifts and regional programs, at the beginning of March. Previous to assuming her current position, she worked for nearly seven years in the medical center, one of which was spent in medical center development. Prior to that, she held a number of positions on the River campus, including administrative assistant in the economics department. Janet earned a diploma in office supervision from RIT and has taken additional courses at various institutions. In addition to having an extraordinary record of dedication to the University, she was recognized by the College of Arts and Science with their first distinguished service award.

Elizabeth Zogby became our interim associate director of foundation relations at the beginning of April. Beth brings with her nearly 15 years of institutional advancement experience that includes writing and publications, annual fund mail and phone programs, reunion and regional campaigns, volunteer management, and alumni events. She came to the University of Rochester in 2003 as director of alumni relations at the Simon School. Prior to joining the foundation relations team, she was director of development at the Mt. Hope Family Center.