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UH Foundation Welcomes New Associate Vice President of Major Gifts

(Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) - The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is pleased to announce Kathryn Nelson as its new associate vice president for major gifts.

Nelson will be responsible for managing the Foundation's major gift program, a team of 17 people who fund raise for college and unit programs associated with the university's 10 campuses. Nelson will provide leadership and help develop fund development strategies for campaigns and special projects for which major gifts are essential. She reports to Donna Vuchinich, vice president for development of the UH Foundation.

"We think Kathy's new role with the Foundation presents a great opportunity for our organization," said UH Foundation President Betsy Sloane. "She is not only one of Hawaiʻi's top fundraisers, but she brings strong partnership building skills, as well as a deep understanding of public institutions and the people they serve," she added.

"Our mission at the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation goes beyond simply raising funds," said Nelson. "We're committed to raising the quality of higher education in Hawaiʻi. Each of us is committed to making every donated dollar work hard to allow UH to achieve its goals. The Foundation prides itself on delivering the highest-quality service, accountability and integrity in managing its resources," Nelson added.

She most recently served as executive director of development for the Kapiʻolani Health Foundation where she was responsible for creating a major gifts program and participated in planning for a comprehensive breast center.

Nelson received her B.S. in business administration from the University of La Verne in Southern California. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and belongs to the Association of Fund Raising Professionals and the Association for Health Care Philanthropy.

Last year, Nelson was named the professional fund raiser of the year by the Hawai'i chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Nelson is also a current board member for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Hawaiʻi.
Nelson previously served as director of development for health services with the Foundation and brings nearly 15 years of experience in development and 20 years in higher education administration.

About the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation
The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise funds according to priorities determined by the academic leadership of the University of Hawaiʻi. Founded in 1955, the UH Foundation provides a full range of fund raising and alumni relations services for all 10 UH campuses, providing leadership and implementation of UH's private fund raising efforts. For more information on the UH Foundation, visit www.uhf.hawaii.edu.