Salem State Names New Executive Director For Foundation

From Salem State University: Salem State University has announced that Cheryl Crounse, of Lynn, Massachusetts, will advance to the roles of vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc. Crounse will begin serving in her new role in April of 2019, following the retirement of Cynthia McGurren ’83 after 32 years at the university.

Crounse joined Salem State in 2011 as the campaign manager for the 10,000 Reasons Campaign, the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which raised over $26 million. She was later promoted to assistant vice president and then associate vice president of institutional advancement, the position she currently holds.

In her new role, Crounse will be responsible for developing and advancing the university’s fundraising strategy through the work of institutional advancement, which encompasses alumni relations, annual giving, development, advancement services, and advancement communications, as well as any events hosted by institutional advancement. Crounse will also serve as the executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, which invests, manages and distributes charitable gifts in support of the university. In this capacity, she will oversee the administration, programs and strategic plan of the foundation’s 19-member board of directors. Crounse will also serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council.

“Through her exceptional fundraising skills, tremendous work ethic and infectious passion for the work that we do at Salem State, Cheryl has already inspired countless individuals to invest in our institution,” said Salem State University President John Keenan. “I have complete confidence that Cheryl and the entire institutional advancement team will build on Cynthia McGurren’s legacy, setting and exceeding goals that will ensure the best educational opportunities for our students.”

A first-generation college graduate, Crounse’s fundraising experience spans over 22 years and began while she was a student at Owego State University in her home state of New York, where she learned the fundamentals for fundraising where she worked as a student employee calling alumni for the institution’s advancement office. Prior to joining Salem State, Crounse spent five years at Emerson College directing areas that include leadership and annual giving, pre-campaign planning and advancement services. At the beginning of her career, she spent eight years shaping and growing annual giving programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Crounse is heavily engaged in giving back to the community of Lynn, in which she resides with her husband, Michael Crounse. She serves on the Board of Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, as a volunteer for Arts After Hours in Lynn, and as a mentor at Girls Inc. She has served on the alumni board for her alma mater Oswego State and served as a regional volunteer. Additionally, she is a member of the Council for Advancement in Higher Education where she is dedicated to continuing to hone her craft and build professional relationships to the benefit of the university.

“The history of Salem State is one in which students work hard to achieve success and go on to do good in their communities. My hope is that I can be of service in ensuring that this long history is preserved,” said Crounse. “I would never have accepted this position if not for the strong institutional advancement team we have in place. I look forward to working with them, alongside our students, faculty, staff, volunteer leadership, university leadership, President Keenan, the greater donor community and our alumni in helping future generations of students achieve their dreams. Together, I know we can build on and preserve the extraordinary legacy that has been achieved under Cynthia McGurren’s leadership.”

Members of Salem State’s community of alumni and supporters have shown excitement about Crounse’s appointment to these positions.

“She has a wonderful way about her. Cheryl’s love for the university and its students comes through in her work. She is an enthusiastic collaborator who is the perfect choice for the role.” said Henry Bertolon ’74, co-chair of the 10,000 Reasons Campaign and major benefactor.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Cheryl as the president of the Salem State Foundation Board of Directors,” said Gina Deschamps ‘92G “Cheryl’s professionalism, talent and passion for fundraising along with her boundless energy helped us reach our goals in the 10,000 Reasons campaign and will continue to build on the work of the Foundation and her predecessor, Cynthia McGurren.”

“I believe Cheryl is the best person to follow Cynthia as Vice President of Institutional Advancement,” said Kim Gassett-Schiller ‘83 ‘18H, co-chair of the 10,000 Reasons Campaign and major benefactor. “She is very dedicated to the students and to the mission of Salem State University. I’m very happy for Salem State and for Cheryl.”

Image via Salem State