Slide order: Johnson Bowles, Raynah Roberts, Whitney Spear, Thea Grimaldo, Allison Dorman, Alana Williamson, Kip Ryle
Reinhardt University’s Advancement team has taken shape with four new members this summer. Please welcome Raynah Roberts ’21 who started last week as the new Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations. She brings a rich understanding of Reinhardt’s history and a strong vision for engaging alumni.
An alumnus herself, Roberts will work alongside the Alumni Board of Governors and Advancement office to make a tangible impact. As the Annual Fund director, Roberts is charged with overseeing, designing, and implementing initiatives to sustain and strengthen giving. She will play a vital role in strategic fundraising and enhancing campus traditions to continue moving the university forward.
Reinhardt also welcomes Whitney Spear as Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, overseeing the stewardship of gifts and cultivating vibrant relationships with donors. Spear jumped right into this role in May after over ten years in the non-profit sector of higher education. Spears holds a Master of Public Administration and served as a program coordinator for KSU.
Many of us know Thea Grimaldo, who supported Provost Dr. John Miles and has been with Reinhardt for over ten years. She recently started a new role as the Advancement Services Manager. She will work alongside the Business Office and Advancement Team to ensure that gifts are processed properly and that institutional data is analyzed accordingly. With over nine years of experience with the National Down Syndrome Congress, she is a strong addition to the Advancement team.
Allison Dorman has already become a pivotal part of the Advancement team since starting in May. As Executive Assistant to Johnson Bowles, Vice President of Advancement and Marketing and Communications, Dorman ensures Advancement leadership runs smoothly. She handles scheduling, communication, and support for Johnson and her team.
Introduced earlier this year, Alana Williamson became the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, and alum Kip Ryle ’23 took on the role of Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Records Management.
These six are led by Johnson Bowles. She is excited to forge on with this new team but is also appreciative of Jessica Akers ’05/’11, Executive Director of the Falany Performing Arts Center, who brought contagious energy and vibrant event planning to the alumni community as interim Alumni Director for two years. Akers laid such a firm foundation that the university decided to expand the position.
