After an internal search, the University of North Florida has hired Ann McCullen as the new vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement and executive director of the UNF Foundation. She began her new position May 20.
“I am confident that with Ann’s extensive experience and leadership in development as well as alumni engagement in higher education, she will advance the University to the next level,” said UNF President John Delaney.
McCullen, a San Marco resident, will be responsible for providing vision and leadership to assist the deans and other University leadership in the planning, organizing and implementing of fundraising initiatives, including planned giving, annual giving, alumni engagement, capital and major campaigns, endowments, prospect research, scholarships and development funds. She will also serve as executive director of the Foundation, working closely with the UNF Foundation Board and will be responsible for the supervision of approved Foundation activities.
McCullen joined the University 14 years ago after serving as major gift director for Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Georgia. She began her work with UNF as the director of development in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she served for four years. During this time, she obtained the University’s largest gift annuity and exceeded annual fundraising goals, averaging $1.5 million per year.
She went on to serve as the assistant vice president of development and campaign director. In this position, McCullen directed the campus-wide $130 million The Power of Transformation Campaign and led eight fundraisers in all five colleges. Between 2013 and 2014, McCullen served as interim vice president of development and executive director of the UNF Foundation. She was later promoted to associate vice president of development and campaign director, securing a $7 million gift to create the Hicks Honors College, the University’s sixth college.
McCullen has been very involved in the community, serving as a mentor in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, First Coast chapter and recently serving on the board of the World Affairs Council, Jacksonville. She also previously served as an evaluation team leader with the Women’s Giving Alliance, The Community Foundation, and as a board member with The Sanctuary on 8th Street for six years.