UMaine Announces Fund-Raising Leadership Changes
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — As the University of Maine begins the second half of its six-year, $150 million private fund-raising campaign, the vice president who has led the effort to this point has decided to step down from that job.
Barbara Beers, who has served as UMaine’s vice president for development, informed UMaine President Robert Kennedy of her intentions last month. Kennedy says he agreed to Beers’ request to leave the vice presidency “with great reluctance.”
Known as Campaign Maine, the current fund-raising initiative is the most ambitious in UMaine’s history. During July, the campaign reached the $90 million mark.
“Barbara has done a wonderful job, and her efforts as vice president will have a lasting impact on UMaine,” Kennedy says. “She has built a strong fundraising infrastructure in our development office, and she has led our staff through some significant challenges as we have worked to develop the outstanding team that Barbara has put in place.”
Kennedy has recommended Eric Rolfson, UMaine’s associate vice president for development, to take over as vice president through the rest of Campaign Maine. Rolfson’s appointment is subject to approval by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, which will next meet on Sept. 15.
“Eric is an accomplished, experienced fundraiser whose leadership has been critical to the success of Campaign Maine to this point,” Kennedy says. “I am confident that the transition will be seamless and that our fundraising momentum will continue unabated.”
Beers says she takes satisfaction in the campaign’s success so far and that “the timing is right” for a change.
Kennedy has asked Rolfson and Beers to explore ways in which Beers might continue to work on Campaign Maine, bringing her considerable expertise and experience to that critical, ongoing effort.
“I have loved the job and have been honored to hold it,” she says. “At the same time, I am looking forward to a calmer lifestyle and a more focused professional direction.