Audrey Olmstead — Walsh College

Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Walsh College

About Walsh College

A practical blend of business theory and real-world application defines the Walsh College experience. Our mission is to empower students as successful leaders and professionals in a complex global environment. The faculty is experienced professionals as well as being dedicated teachers, while the administrative staff ensures each student receives personalized service in a professional learning environment.

Learn more about Walsh College.

Biography

Personal relationships are the key to success in almost every aspect of life, and especially with my work in fund development. I often tell people that I have one of the best jobs in the world because I have an opportunity to get to know fascinating, successful people with a disposition for compassion and helping others.

Giving one′s financial resources to help others is a personal and emotional experience. Most Americans are philanthropic, and in my work, I strive to match a donor′s interest with the College′s needs. It is very rewarding for me to help people with financial means accomplish their acts of goodwill. Often, upon completing a gift agreement, donors are joyful, and it is a moment that none of us forget.

As the first female in my family to earn a college degree, I have a personal understanding of the impact of that accomplishment on one′s entire family. The ripple effect on children, spouse, parents and extended nieces and nephews is profound. Education does not only open doors to better job opportunity, it opens the entire family to new experiences, people and possibilities. I cannot imagine my life if I had not earned my degree, and I was already 40 years old when I marked that accomplishment.

For me, nothing can compare to a face-to-face meeting or encounter. Social media intrigues me, however, as I see that it will allow individuals to communicate without boundaries of time and space. It may help me extend my reach.

Experience

Walsh College
Vice President, Chief Development Officer, April 2008-Present

Audrey is responsible for the College′s Development and Alumni Relations functions. In this role, Audrey:

• Creates a culture of philanthropy for Walsh College
• Leads a first-class development and alumni relations team
• Facilitates the Walsh College Foundation Board and leads activities of the Walsh College Foundation
• Serves on the College′s leadership team
• Ensures integration of development with the College′s plans and operations
• Builds relationships with alumni as well as with corporate and organizational leaders in the community

Henry Ford Health System
Senior Director, Major and Principal Gifts, 2006-2008

Secured major gifts, led research and planned giving, and served as a member of the capital campaign leadership team.

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, 2004-2006

Developed plans that led to increased gift revenue and established and strengthened relationships with alumni, individual, corporate, and foundation friends.

Wayne State University
Senior Director of Development, University Advancement, 1996-2006

Developed and implemented major gift programs for corporate gifts and foundation grants and related communications.

Education

Oakland University
Bachelor of Science in Communications and English

• Magna Cum Laude