I am pleased to announce Cristi Ganyard’s promotion to Senior Director for University Stewardship Initiatives as of July 1. Cristi has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, always seeking innovations and efficiencies in her various roles throughout the Department. Having recently celebrated 15 years of exemplary service to the University, she first worked in Philanthropic Strategies and then joined Special Events where she led presidential and executive events for several years. As a project leader, Cristi made a name for herself through her green belt project which changed the way we managed advisory council events.

During the last five years, Cristi has been leading the Stewardship Initiatives team. Similar to the Academic Advancement unit, this team partners with all the colleges, schools, and divisions throughout campus to ensure that University benefactors are stewarded both reactively (through impact and endowment reporting) and proactively (through special touches) to increase philanthropy. During COVID, Cristi led the team in creating and delivering electronic endowment reporting for donors. With the implementation of Ascend we are counting on her to again find new solutions for endowment reporting this fall. We’ll also lean on her for coordinating impact reporting for the For Good Strategic Initiatives.

Cristi has become an extraordinary leader, having mentored our veteran colleagues and attracted incredible new talent. Please join me in congratulating Cristi!

Grateful,
Katherine Lane