Josh Walter named vice president for institutional advancement

President Barry Glassner announced today that Josh Walter will become the new vice president for institutional advancement. He will start in late April. For the last decade, Walter has ascended through the development ranks at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California, where he is currently the director of leadership giving.

“I am excited that Josh is joining us to lead the development efforts of Lewis & Clark. His progressive fundraising experience at a highly regarded college on the West Coast will serve us extremely well,” said President Glassner. “My thanks go to the search committee for their diligence and insights throughout the search process.”

As director of leadership giving at CMC, Walter is charged with developing and implementing programs for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all major gift donors. Previously he worked in both annual giving and alumni relations at CMC. His major initiatives have included increased fundraising for scholarships and financial aid: The CMC Student Imperative he led has raised more than $100 million in gifts and pledges. He was an integral part of CMC’s recent comprehensive campaign that yielded more than $600 million over seven years.

“I have long known and admired Lewis & Clark. My first experience at the college was as a child attending camps, and I have seen the college as a leading liberal arts institution in the Northwest and our country,” said Walter. “Lewis & Clark has a strong foundation and is poised to reach lofty new heights. It is a tremendous honor to join you in exploring new frontiers. I look forward to meeting the amazing community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends from Lewis & Clark’s three schools.”

A sixth-generation Oregonian, Walter grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and his childhood included time on a farm near Salem, as well as residence in metropolitan Portland. Prior to embarking on his career in fundraising, Walter served for four years as an officer in the U.S. Army. He received a bachelor’s degree in government and psychology from Claremont McKenna College.

This appointment concludes a search that began last fall under the direction of a ten-member search committee chaired by President Glassner, with assistance from the search firm, m/Oppenheim Associates:

• Jane Atkinson, vice president and provost
• Greta Binford, associate professor of biology and department chair of biochemistry and molecular biology
• Scott Dubchansky, chair of the board of trustees
• David Ellis, vice president, secretary, and general counsel
• Mollie Galloway, assistant professor of educational leadership
• Anna Gonzalez, dean of students
• Craig Johnston, professor of law
• Lisa Meyer, dean for enrollment and communications
• Ruth Sigal, trustee and chair of the institutional advancement committee

Walter will occupy the position currently held on an interim basis by Vice President and Provost Jane Atkinson. Institutional Advancement encompasses the common services development and fundraising operations of Lewis & Clark.