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

On Thursday, August 3, the Gift Planning Team will be out of the office participating in an off-site team day.

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

Happy birthday to all our UR employees celebrating their special days in August! Soak up the sunshine!

8/2—Colleen Cross
8/2—Adria Logan
8/1—Michelle McDaniel
8/12—Amber Cerveny
8/12—Katie Edel
8/12—Melissa Medina
8/13—Sean Carroll
8/13—Jami Radcliff
8/14—Lauren Dolzan
8/16—Brian Benedict
8/16—Michael Infantine
8/18—Tim Kelly
8/18—Brandon Stewart
8/19—TJ Alford
8/19—Brent Henningfeld
8/19—Julia Sama
8/20—Marty Harshman
8/22—Jennifer Milliron
8/23—Shaheen Goldrick
8/23—Amanda Retartha
8/24—Mary Lake
8/27—George West
8/30—Abbey Johnson
8/30—Molly Lenaburg
8/30—Michelle Varda

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

The Central Region would like to welcome Joe Feeks to the UR Family and to the Central Region team. Joe joins us from the Ford Motor Company where he worked in sales and service with some of the top dealers in the country. He is originally from South Bend and he looks forward to serving the mission of Notre Dame, noting that “Our family is rich with Blue and Gold history.” Joe and his wife, Grace (“Gracie”), have two children, Indiana (“Indy”) and William (“Liam”). Joe is a racing and automotive enthusiast who is “in his happy place” when behind the wheel at the go kart track. He and Gracie enjoy game nights featuring board games, euchre, or TRIVIA. Joe will be a Tier 2 fundraiser primarily focused on Indianapolis and Cincinnati and his first day will be Wednesday, August 2nd. Congratulations, Joe, and welcome to the team!

-Jason Scarlett

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

It is my privilege to announce and recognize the following colleagues who have received tier promotions for FY24. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating them — for their willingness to take on the increased goals and responsibilities, and moreover, their steadfast performance over time.

Tier 3: Pete Hlabse and Susan Lynch
Tier 4: Mike Connaughton and Dylan Reed
Tier 5: Aaron Wall

Congratulations Pete, Susan, Mike, Dylan, and Aaron, and know we look forward to celebrating you in person at the UR Summit!

– Sara

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my University Relations colleagues for all the kind notes and well-wishes that I received on the occasion of my recent retirement. Twenty-seven years sounds like a long time, but it went by in a flash!

Eileen Gieselman