Friends and Colleagues,

It’s with mixed emotions that I share the news that Brian Benedict will be leaving the University to take on a new opportunity and challenge at Rahal Racing beginning August 11th.

Brian has had a great impact over his five years in Development – as a valued member of both the Annual Giving and then Athletics Advancement teams, and his commitment to others will be missed greatly. Fortunately, while he’s leaving our team he isn’t leaving the area – and his impact will continue as a coach for the Notre Dame’s Club Men’s Lacrosse team and as a broadcaster for our Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse teams.

Please join me in congratulating Brian and wishing him well on this exciting new chapter!

Riley Koval

Friends and Colleagues,

I am very pleased to introduce you to our newest Gift Planning Officer, Chris Russell. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Oakland University and recently, his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. He is an avid baker, so be sure to ask him for his favorite recipes!

Chris’s first day is today, August 7th, and his regional assignment will be determined over the coming weeks. Please say hello to Chris over the coming days at Summit and give him a warm welcome to Development!

Jessica Brice

Prospect Management and Research is thrilled to welcome Carly Schmitt to University Relations! Starting Monday, August 7, Carly will serve the Central region as our newest Prospect Management Consultant.

Carly comes to us from Purdue University, fundraising as Director of Development in Major Gifts for the John Purdue Club. Carly also contributed to the annual fund team for the John Purdue Club as a development associate starting in September 2019. Prior to her university development experience, Carly served as an account executive at Emplify and as an associate marketing manager at Roche Diagnostics.

Carly was a collegiate swimmer for Purdue. During her swimming career she qualified and competed in three events at the 2016 USA Swimming Olympic Trials, competed in multiple NCAA Championships, and Big Ten Championships. Carly is an Indiana native. Carly and her husband, Jesse, reside in South Bend, with their son, Asher (1).

Please join me in welcoming Carly!

Jonathan Retartha

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to share the following organizational announcements:

Effective today August 4, Brad Goff will assume the role of Executive Program Director, Strategy and Insights. In this role, Brad will serve in a variety of capacities to advance and elevate our work as we move through For Good: including continued leadership on For Good analytics as well serving as a member of the Transformational Gifts team. Moreover, he will collaborate with UR leadership and teams across the division to identify core business questions and create impact-driven, mission-focused, and productivity-oriented solutions that will increase our fundraising efficiency. In this role, Brad will report to Brian Diss and primarily be located in Eddy Street Commons.

Brad has been a valued member of the University Relations team since 2007, serving in a variety of capacities in both the Alumni Association and Development. Most recently, he served as a critical member of the For Good administration team as we launched the initiative. We are grateful for Brad’s leadership and uncompromising dedication.

Also effective August 4, Amy Schell’s title will be reflected as Executive Director, Gift and Development Administration, with continued oversight of the Gift and Data Management and Development Administration teams. Amy has been a member of the University Relations team for 17 years, serving in a variety of roles in Marketing Communications, Stewardship, Annual Giving, and Gift and Data Management. She is a proven leader of high-performing, cross-functional teams with a passion for coaching and investing in her team’s professional growth.

Finally, Katherine Lane’s title will be reflected as Executive Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations, with continued oversight of the Stewardship & Donor Relations team. The constant during Katherine’s 25+ year career in Development has been stewardship, but she is also known for her direction of the Renovare Project, her management of the marketing collateral of the Spirit of Notre Dame Campaign, and her leadership of the Notre Dame Trail. Her strengths come into play best when she is caring for a key Notre Dame benefactor; whether a dedication or a funeral, Katherine embraces the family and ensures they feel the University’s gratitude.

Moving forward, the Executive title will be evaluated and utilized where job scope, experience, and past performance warrants.

Please join us in thanking Brad, Amy, and Katherine for their ongoing leadership to Notre Dame and our Development team.

Brian, Michelle, and Brandon

It is my pleasure to welcome Arnaud Zimmern (pronounced R-NO) to the Prospect & Research Strategy team as Research Analyst, effective August 1. In his new role, Arnaud will be working with the Research team to provide quality research to fundraisers and help identify process improvement opportunities in our recurring project-based work.

Arnaud received his PhD in English from Notre Dame and a BA in Mathematics, English, and World Languages from Southern Methodist University – Dallas, TX. He has spent the last 3 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship. You can usually find Arnaud after hours at the ND bouldering and climbing gym. If you’ve never tried climbing, he would be happy to introduce you.

We are excited to see the impact Arnaud’s skills and energy will have on our team. Please consider reaching out to Arnaud at azimmern@nd.edu to introduce yourself.

Welcome Arnaud!
Christina

Dear Colleagues,

For the past 15 months, Monica May has served as a Communications and Data Analyst for Gift and Data Management, overseeing daily and yearly acknowledgments and our memorial-giving process. Last month, Monica’s husband, Tyler, received a wonderful opportunity with Notre Dame Federal Credit Union to take on a newly created position in Arizona. Today, July 31, is Monica’s last day. We wish Monica and her family the best as they take on their new adventure!

Since he started with our team in October 2022, Steve Horstmann has been a tremendous addition to our team. He is a team player and a quick study. His attention to detail and customer service is second to none. I’m excited to announce that Steve has accepted a promotion from Gift Management Program Coordinator to Communications and Data Analyst. Please join me in congratulating Steve and welcoming him to his new role!

In gratitude to both Monica and Steve,
Alyssa

Dearest Colleagues,

It is with bittersweet emotion that I announce the departure of Sarah Nugent from the Development Coordinator team and the University of Notre Dame. Sarah’s last day will be August 4th, 2023.

Sarah has been an integral part of the Development Team as both a DC and, ultimately, a Regional Associate. She has worked as a leader of the RA Guiding Coalition, lead for our Social and Recreational focus area, and has been a valued member of the DC Resource team. Her wisdom, hard work, training, mentorship, and, especially, her enthusiasm have made working with her an absolute joy!

Please join us in congratulating Sarah and wishing her the best in this next chapter in her life!

Thank you,
Tashana Kenny

Please join me in welcoming TJ Alford. He is joining the Development team as a Regional Director on the Chicago Team. Prior to his arrival at Notre Dame, TJ served as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. He oversaw all fundraising efforts for the athletic department. Prior to UIC, TJ spent five years in the Sunshine State working as the Director of Sales at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the premier multi-purpose facility at Florida State University and home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs. In his role, he generated significant revenue while overseeing all premium sales and arena sponsorships. Prior to starting at the Tucker Center, TJ spent two years as a Service & Retention Consultant for FSU Athletics and Seminole Boosters. He oversaw sales, marketing, and solicitation of new business opportunities for group sales while serving as the primary contact for more than 1,500 donors, season ticket holders, and boosters. TJ is an alum of Southern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. He and his wife, Ashton, live in Granger with their two children. His first day at Notre Dame will be August 2.

– Jerry Barca

Prospect Management and Research is thrilled to welcome back Elicia Dennis to University Relations! Starting Monday, July 24, Elicia will serve the NY Metro Region as our newest Prospect Management Consultant.

Elicia joins us from the College of Arts and Letters and their Office of Communications, where she managed a portfolio of over 100 websites and led web strategy, including multiple award-winning site redesigns. Prior to this role, she was an intern in University Relations, first with Annual Giving and then with Stewardship. Elicia also currently serves as President of Notre Dame’s Black Faculty and Staff Association.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Elicia earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Science in data science from Notre Dame. She and her boyfriend, Raymond, now reside in Mishawaka with their two dogs: Hope and Buckley.

Please join me in welcoming Elicia to our team!

Jonathan Retartha

Colleagues,

Please note that as of July 7th, Anna McKeever will no longer be with the Annual Giving team. If you were working with Anna on any projects, please contact Katie Kerby for a transition plan. The role of Associate Director, Law and Graduate Business Annual Giving will be posted on jobs.nd.edu shortly.

We are grateful for Anna’s many contributions to our team, including breaking all-time unrestricted fundraising records for the Notre Dame Law School and the Mendoza College of Business. Anna will assume the role of Advisor to Fr. Dan Groody, Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. Please join us in congratulating Anna on her move and wishing her success in this next chapter in her life and career!

Thank you,
Katie