Meet the Team
Vice President's Office
Susie Chase ’90 P’21
Chief Advancement and Revenue Officer
Focused on transformational philanthropy, enrollment, and revenue strategies, along
with working to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability and growth by aligning
both philanthropic support and earned income with its mission
Emily Kate Smith '10
Associate Vice President, Advancement, Alumni and Constituent Engagement
Oversees the combined advancement and alumni relations team and ensures comprehensive
service for alumni, donors, and members of the greater Washington College community.
Marc Dykeman M '07
Director of Advancement Services and Strategy
Oversees advancement services team responsible for accurate gift processing, stewardship,
and record keeping. Manages online services for donations and event registration.
Sydney Day
Executive Assistant
Provides administrative and logistical support for the Office of Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Constituent Engagement.
Athletics Philanthropy
Mac Franklin
Athletics Giving officer
Works with parents of athletes, alumni, fans, and other Washington community members
to raise funds and host events that celebrate and strengthen all of the College's
outstanding Division III teams.
Institutional Giving
Val L. V. Stewart
Executive Director of Institutional & Government Giving
Oversees and contributes to solicitation and stewardship of foundation, corporate
and government funding for the College. Identifies foundation and corporate prospects;
works with faculty and staff to prepare and submit grant applications; and works with
project directors and financial staff to report on grant activity.
Jennifer Hizer
Associate Director for Government Grants and Sponsored Projects
Provides oversight and support for the full lifecycle of state and federal grants,
from proposal development through grant administration.
Advancement Services
Debbie Franklin
Associate Director of Research and Prospect Data
Conducts research and meets needs of advancement and alumni teams for accurate and
timely information to facilitate their work and ensure the best possible service for
alumni, donors, and others in the Washington community.
Jenny Houghton
Director of Stewardship
Provides reporting on the use of funds, gifts, and endowments to donors; oversees
the College’s premier giving society; and collaborates on recognition efforts and
events for donors, College partners, and other members of the community.
Peach Hawn
Assistant Director of Advancement Services
Facilitates sharing news about the College, its people, and their achievements with
the media. Connects Washington College experts with reporters and producers in need
of commentary and information.
Paula Naegele
Gift and Data Integrity Specialist
Responsible for recording and documenting pledges, gifts, and pledge payments. Verifies
and updates changes to biographical records of our constituents to assure the integrity
of our alumni database.
Alumni Relations
Heidi Pearce
Director of Alumni Engagement
Organizes events, reunions, and other opportunities for alumni to engage with each
other and with the College, making sure Washington is a home forever for our graduates.
Works with the Washington College Alumni Board and others to recognize and honor outstanding
alumni.
Jack Despeaux
Alumni Engagement Coordinator
Works directly with alumni on many special events, celebrations, and other opportunities
to support current students while maintaining connections among alums.
Advancement Events
Jenn Kaczmarczyk
Director of Events
Responsible for all events run by the advancement and alumni teams and the teams'
liaison for all other campus events—such as Convocation, Homecoming, and Commencement—when
alumni have big roles in College-wide events.
Advancement Communications
Julie Jans
Director of Advancement Communications
Manages all communications needs of advancement and alumni, from direct mail schedules
to email updates. Responsible for content, design, production and distribution.
Tim Corrao
Marketing Coordinator
Provides support on communications needs, from writing to photography, and manages
Washington College Alumni social media accounts. Liaison to Office of Communications
and Marketing.