LeaderNotes Summer 2024

The latest edition of LeaderNotes is available. This edition includes a Letter from the President, a Board Meeting Recap, and more.

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Along with longer days and brighter sunshine, we’re excited to welcome summer and share exciting advancements from the Foundation.

In late April, Becca Salsbury joined us in the role of vice president and general counsel, succeeding Ralph Partlow who will retire at the end of the fiscal year. Becca comes to the Foundation from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, where she served as assistant attorney general within the Higher Education Division. In this position, Becca provided advice and counsel on real estate, procurement matters and compliance, and financing. Becca also worked closely with the USM’s Administration and Finance Department to review and revise policies and procedures related to real estate and procurement. She brings to the Foundation years of expertise on federal and state laws governing higher education, ethical conflicts, intellectual property issues, personnel and employment issues, board compliance issues and more. Welcome, Becca!

On June 4, the USM hosted its first-ever Advancement and Alumni Relations Communications Summit at UMBC. Around 85 colleagues from institutions across the System attended, making the Summit one of our biggest in-person professional development events to date. The day-long program included a keynote from Brian Flahaven, vice president of strategic partnerships for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, called, “Taking on the Political Headwinds Facing Higher Education.” Attendees also heard a plenary session called, “Unlocking AI: Practical Applications for USM Fundraising,” presented by Graham-Pelton. The day concluded with breakout sessions hosted by colleagues working in advancement and communications fields at institutions across the System.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Sharcus Steen, our chief investment officer, who was named to the Blueprint Capital Advisors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Capitalism Power 100 List in the Endowment and Foundation category. This honor recognizes people who are leading by example, breaking color and gender barriers, supporting diverse firms, and promoting a more exclusive investment management industry. Congratulations, Sharcus!

As always, please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Leonard R. Raley