Alan C. Zacharias

Our firm is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan C. Zacharias, CFRE to our team of consultants in advancement, effective September 1, 2004. Most recently, Alan has served as Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the University Foundation at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. During his tenure at Southeast, Alan was responsible for directing the transformation of the development and alumni relations functions. Under his leadership the University exceeded its Vision for the 21st Century Campaign goal raising $38 million in cash contributions, completed a strategic plan for the University Foundation, introduced alumni and development online services, revamped the alumni services function, created a state-of-the-art planned giving program, implemented a board development initiative, and increased gift income by 23% over a three year period. Prior to his service at Southeast, Alan served as Senior Vice President for University Advancement at Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois (1996-2001) and Vice President for University Advancement at Concordia University, Irvine, California (1989-1996). At both institutions Alan was responsible for planning and implementing comprehensive campaigns and developing major gifts/moves management processes that resulted in several multi-million dollar contributions, including one $15 million cash gift. Alan’s experience also includes service as Director of Capital Campaigns at Concordia, Irvine and Stewardship Project Coordinator for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation deployed to the Atlantic, New Jersey, and Pacific Southwest Districts.

Alan received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Journalism and Marketing from Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky and his MBA degree from Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois. He was selected to attend the 2000 Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. Alan is currently a candidate for the Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Missouri, St. Louis where he was named the 2004 Doctoral Student of the Year. His dissertation examines effective models of presidential leadership at faith-based institutions in the context of modern leadership theory.

Over the course of his career, Alan has provided counsel to a variety of educational, religious, and social services entities, including the LCMS Board for Higher Education/CUENet, the LCMS Department of Stewardship, and Saxony Lutheran High School.

Alan is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) and Rotary International. He is a frequent presenter at a variety of professional and academic conferences.

As a consultant in our firm, Alan will provide comprehensive services to institutions in the areas of strategic planning, advancement programs, major gifts, capital campaigns, Board development, integrated marketing, communications, and student recruitment.