WASHINGTON (Dec. 18, 2017) — Carolyn J. Drew has been named associate dean and associate vice president for development and alumni relations at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“Carolyn could not be joining us at a more exciting time. With the opening of the GW Cancer Center, our work to end HIV/AIDS, our growing autism research, and the expansion of our clinical offerings, it is a great time to invest in our school.” said Jeffrey S. Akman, MD, vice president for health affairs at GW and Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine and dean of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “We are looking forward to partnering with Carolyn as we position the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences for preeminence through increasing philanthropic support for our institution.”
In this role, Drew will lead the development and alumni relations teams to advance the education, clinical, and research missions of the school. She will also set the strategic direction of development initiatives in collaboration with clinical partners; oversee major principal gift fundraising for priority areas; establish innovative programs to engage prospects, enhance grateful patient programs, and optimize volunteers and development councils; and she will serve as a member of the school’s senior leadership team.
“We are pleased to welcome Carolyn to GW,” said Matthew R. Manfra, interim vice president for development and alumni relations at GW. “Her leadership will be incredibly important as we work together to strengthen alumni and development initiatives.”
Drew has over 20 years of experience raising funds for top research institutions around the world. As a development professional, she has a proven track record of success in principal and major gift fundraising, as well as campaign planning and strategy, volunteer recruitment and management, prospect identification, stewardship, and relationship management.
“I am honored to be joining the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences at such an important time in its history,” said Drew. “I look forward to helping leadership identify and attain their philanthropic priorities and goals and supporting the incredible work of our physicians, researchers, and students.”
Drew most recently served as a development consultant for the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She has deep industry experience having led development initiatives at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Stanford Medicine, the University of Cambridge, Yale University, and Harvard Medical School.
Drew holds a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington. She belongs to several professional associations, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Women in Development, and the Planned Giving Group of New England and New York.
Drew will begin serving as the associate dean and associate vice president for development and alumni relations on January 2, 2018.
