In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Vern Snyder, former vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Toledo.

In their discussion, Vern addresses topics including:

• Major changes in institutional advancement, both positive and negative, over the course of his career.
• The process of outlining goals to keep an institution moving forward.
• Managing expectations and measuring success.

About our guest

Vern Snyder was the vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Toledo for 12 years. Prior to that, he held the same position at Eastern Kentucky University for two years and was campaign director at legendary consulting firm Ketchum.

Vern earned Certified Fundraising Executive status from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 1993. He earned Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive status in 2010 and was, at the time, one of only 115 individuals with that distinction. 

Since retiring in 2016, Vern has served as a consultant to several nonprofits from community service organizations to higher education institutions and as a mentor to fundraisers in Northwest Ohio and Western New York.

In recognition of his service to the philanthropic sector and professional fundraising, Vern was recognized as the AFP’s International Fundraising Professional of the Year in 2016. He was designated a Distinguished Fellow of the AFP in 2018 and was, at the time, one of only 12 individuals to be so honored.

• Connect with Vern on LinkedIn