Sherry Houston selected as Santa Fe College Vice President for Advancement and Chief Philanthropy Officer

Press release from Santa Fe College

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II has named Ms. Sherry Houston as the college’s next Vice President for Advancement and Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Ms. Houston comes to Santa Fe having served more than 16 years in high-level, executive Advancement positions, including, most recently, a decade at Ronald McDonald House Charities, North Central Florida, where she served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer overseeing all operations, including budgets, program development, and philanthropic efforts.

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join Santa Fe College as the new Vice President for Advancement and Chief Philanthropy Officer,” said. Ms. Houston. “I am impressed by the exceptional quality of the college’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students. Their passion for education and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter as part of the Santa Fe family and help transform the lives of our students.”

Under her leadership, Ms. Houston not only reversed financial challenges faced by Ronald McDonald House but also planned and executed five signature events annually, doubling donations to the charity. She also oversaw the acquisition of a new, larger 50-bedroom facility to accommodate the growing need for services within the community and throughout the region.

The selection is a result of a nationwide search launched by Santa Fe College in May following the announcement of current Vice President Chuck Clemons’ impending retirement later this year. The search committee, comprised of college employees and members of the SF Foundation Board, reviewed a strong pool of candidates and conducted semifinalist and finalist interviews before making their recommendations to President Broadie earlier this month.

“Ms. Houston embodies everything I asked our search committee to find,” President Broadie said. “She has a proven track record of fundraising and donor relations success across multiple platforms, has a stellar record garnering mission-focused philanthropic and community-wide support, and the leadership experience and fiscal acumen to lead the Office of Advancement. She will be an excellent partner with our Foundation as we cultivate additional support for students and programs.  I am looking forward to working with her and excited for the future as we work together to impact the lives of our students and advance the college and community we serve.”

Ms. Houston, who has also led Advancement efforts at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare and St. Francis Catholic High School, is highly visible in the community serving with the Junior League of Gainesville, Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Gainesville Women’s Forum.

“During her tenure at Ronald McDonald House, she always displayed an incredible level of leadership and professionalism,” said Bryan Nazworth, Founder and CEO of Quality Plumbing. “Her unparalleled energy and enthusiasm, coupled with her longstanding relationship with our local community will be a tremendous addition to Santa Fe College.”

Ms. Houston will start at the college on September 16, and during the ensuing weeks will be working closely with VP Clemons engaging donors, working with the Advancement staff, and preparing to build upon VP Clemons’ impactful and successful 17-year tenure.

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