Heather McDonald Named Vice President for Advancement at Smith College

Heather McDonald, a senior advancement leader at Mount Holyoke College with more than 27 years of higher education experience—including 20 years in nonprofit management and fundraising—has been named vice president for advancement at Smith College.

McDonald, currently the associate vice president for development at Mount Holyoke College, was appointed following a national search that engaged trustees, faculty, and administrators. The search was led by Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton.

In her new role, McDonald will lead Smith’s advancement division and oversee alum relations, individual and annual giving, gift planning, and international development. As a member of the executive team, she will serve as a strategic partner and fundraising adviser to the president, the board of trustees, and college leadership by developing a vision and strategy that advance Smith’s philanthropic goals and strengthen the connection alums have with each other and with the college.

McDonald is joining Smith at an important moment—the college recently launched its new strategic plan, Compass 2035, and its inaugural Campus Use Plan, both of which outline a bold vision for Smith’s future. These initiatives build on the momentum of The Next 150 Pledge—a mission-driven financial aid approach that expands educational access by offering tuition-free education for admitted students and their families earning up to $150,000 annually.

“I’m delighted that Heather McDonald is joining the Smith College leadership team,” said Willie-LeBreton. “Heather has an extraordinary track record in advancement, with demonstrated success in fundraising and organizational leadership. She is a skilled strategist who has led comprehensive campaigns, secured transformational gifts, and championed the enduring importance of women’s education.”

“I’m inspired by Smith College’s commitment to educating women of purpose and promise,” McDonald said. “At this important moment in the college’s history, I look forward to partnering with President Willie-LeBreton and the Smith community to advance a mission that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. I’m excited to build strong relationships and deepen engagement and philanthropy in support of Smith’s future.”

At Mount Holyoke, McDonald has played a key role in shaping the college’s comprehensive campaign by launching its principal giving program, designing the discovery program, and helping to exceed fundraising goals. Previously, during her tenure as assistant vice president and campaign director at the University of Connecticut Foundation, McDonald helped them achieve three consecutive record-breaking years, raising $89 million, $93 million, and $115 million—a historic amount at the time. She also helped create Because of UConn, the university’s $1.5 billion campaign.

McDonald has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford, and a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

She will begin her role at Smith on July 1.