New Paltz selects interim director of development

NEW PALTZ – The State University of New York at New Paltz is pleased to announce the appointment of David P. Ferguson as the College’s interim director of development. He will start on September 4.

Ferguson comes to New Paltz from the University of Findlay, a 130-year-old private institution located in Findlay, Ohio. At Findlay, Ferguson served as special assistant to the president from 2011-2012 and as vice president for development from 2005-2011, a role in which he managed the combined offices of fundraising, marketing, public relations, web & video services, and alumni & parent relations.

The appointment marks a homecoming for Ferguson to the State University of New York, as he was the system’s associate vice chancellor for public relations from 2001-2002. During that time, he led the system’s communications, marketing, and public relations activities. He organized the first “State of the SUNY System” address by the Chancellor as well as SUNY’s first-ever presence at the New York State Fair.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve President Christian and SUNY New Paltz through this appointment,” said Ferguson. “New Paltz is highly regarded within the SUNY system and in higher education circles beyond. I have been impressed by the enthusiasm for and pride in the institution of the people I have met, and look forward to working together to enhance the financial resources available for the faculty, staff, and students.”

At New Paltz, Ferguson will supervise the development office staff and manage and oversee functions of the office. He will also serve as executive director of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board. He will work to expand and strengthen the College’s donor base and support the president in planning and implementing a fundraising strategy including donor communication, cultivation, and solicitation. He will work with the Foundation Board to begin implementing recommendations of a recent feasibility study and support planning of the early stages of a major fundraising campaign.

Ferguson will also oversee the search and selection process of a director of alumni relations and will consult on the national search and selection process for a permanent leader of the college’s development efforts and executive director of the Foundation Board. His appointment will continue until a permanent replacement is hired, at which time he will return to other endeavors.

“David brings a wealth of experience and great enthusiasm to this important leadership role,” said President Donald Christian. “I look forward to working with him as we strengthen and grow our relationships with alumni, donors, and other supporters of the College.”

Ferguson previously served as the vice president of university relations and later the vice president of development at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY. Prior to that position, he was the associate vice president for university relations at the Ohio State University. He previously was managing editor at the Columbus Dispatch and worked as a reporter, editorial writer, and layout editor for the New Britain (Ct.) Herald.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He is a graduate of Harvard Management Development Program’s Summer Institute and the Center for Philanthropy Fund-Raising School’s Summer Institute.

Ferguson comes to New Paltz from the Registry for College and University Presidents, a national firm that provides experienced interim leadership in senior administrative positions in higher education during periods of leadership transition.