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Stacey Rubenfeld is being welcomed to BW as chief philanthropy and engagement officer, where she will provide strategic leadership to the University in philanthropy, alumni engagement, stewardship and advancement operations.
Stacey, who began the position Sept. 30, brings to the role more than two decades of leadership experience across philanthropy, fundraising, community engagement, strategic planning, communications and organizational development.
Melanie Shakarian, who had been serving as interim vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement, will stay on at the University until December to assist in the transition.
Prior to her appointment at BW, Stacey served as chief institutional advancement officer at The Centers in Cleveland, where she has led fundraising, marketing, communications, government relations and external affairs strategies while serving as a key advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors.
Among other roles in her impressive career, Stacey served as chief advancement officer during a successful four-year tenure with the Jewish Federation of Broward County, where she directed comprehensive fundraising initiatives, managed relationships with major donors and volunteer leaders, and oversaw marketing and communications efforts organization-wide.
Her educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in international relations and a master’s in degree public administration from Cleveland State University (CSU). She also holds a graduate certificate in local and urban management from CSU.
"As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Stacey will provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance the goals of Baldwin Wallace University in the areas of philanthropy and external engagement," said BW President Lee Fisher.
"In recent months, BW has been the recipient of millions of dollars in grants, gifts and awards. This honor reflects the confidence of donors, corporate partners, foundations and other constituents in the Baldwin Wallace mission," he added.
"We look to Stacey to assist us in exploring additional strategic partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives, as well as to provide strategic leadership to advance major gift opportunities for the University," stated Fisher.
"Stacey’s appointment follows a thoughtful and comprehensive national search process that focused on identifying a leader who not only possesses exceptional professional credentials, but who also aligns with Baldwin Wallace's mission, culture and ambition for the future," emphasized President Fisher.
"Throughout the search process, Stacey impressed us with her collaborative leadership style, data-informed decision making, strong skills in relationship-building, and her vision for engaging donors, alumni, volunteers and community partners in meaningful ways," he noted.
"We are confident she will help us build on the momentum already underway and advance Baldwin Wallace's philanthropic and engagement goals in the years ahead," Fisher went on to say.
"I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Melanie Shakarian for her interim leadership during this important period of transition. Over the past year, Melanie has provided a steady hand, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment as our interim vice president of philanthropy and alumni relations," said Fisher.
"She has strengthened the University by helping to advance key initiatives, provide continuity during a critical time for the University, and has been a leader and mentor to members of her team," he added.
"We are especially grateful that Melanie has agreed to remain with BW through the end of the calendar year to provide a strong transition that positions Stacey, her team and the University for long-term success," stated Fisher.
