College Names Sean Scanlon VP for Advancement

The College of the Holy Cross has named Sean Scanlon, an innovative and entrepreneurial fundraising leader, as its next vice president for advancement.

Scanlon currently serves as vice president for development at Syracuse University, where he helped to launch and lead the university’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange campaign.

As a senior leader, Scanlon was responsible for culture change and management of Syracuse’s central fundraising programs. In partnership with senior leaders, faculty and volunteers, Syracuse advancement more than doubled fundraising production during his tenure.

Scanlon will join the College in April.

“As part of our new strategic vision for the College, we will be reimagining our approach to philanthropy and engagement with our extended Holy Cross community,” said Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau. “Sean will lead us to develop a big-picture, visionary strategy for our work in advancement that will mean a stronger, healthier foundation for the College in the decades to come.”

In a message to the campus community, Rougeau said the search committee was impressed by Sean’s strategic thinking, creative problem solving and ability to lead through change and empower those who work for him. His data-driven approach to fundraising allowed his teams to develop new strategies that engaged the university community and drove results, Rougeau said.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Holy Cross community in support of President Rougeau's vision as described in the Aspire strategic plan,” Scanlon said. “The mission of the College has never been more important than it is today. I look forward to partnering with the dedicated advancement team, faculty, alumni, parents and friends to support women and men creating a more just and humane world.”

Prior to Syracuse, Scanlon led alumni affairs and development at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management after having led the Discover campaign at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

He holds a B.A. in history and theology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.