A local college has named a new fundraising executive.

Aquinas College hired Gina Covert as VP for advancement, according to the college last month.

She will start on Oct. 14.

Covert has more than 22 years of experience in the higher education, foundation and nonprofit sectors in Michigan and Colorado.

Covert will lead for the college’s fundraising strategies and capital campaigns, direct the growth of the college’s endowment and oversee planned giving, stewardship, alumni engagement and grant administration.

“I can’t wait to work with our alumni, community supporters and my new colleagues to enhance the quality of education for our Aquinas students,” Covert said.

She will report to Aquinas President Kevin Quinn and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet.

“Gina has extensive experience in all areas of strategic fundraising and a track record of growth and strong leadership,” Quinn said. “She is committed to the student experience and the values of Aquinas College’s mission.

"Combined with her stellar reputation in West Michigan and her collaborative approach, I am confident that she will bring even greater benefit to Aquinas College and its students.”

Most recently, Covert has been director of endowed and planned giving at Grand Valley State University since 2016. In that role, she increased gifts to endowments and participation in the university’s legacy society.

Previously, Covert served as the planned and major gifts director and then Challenge Scholars co-director at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. At the foundation, she led fundraising and administration for the foundation's signature college access and endowed scholarship program, helping to exceed a $32 million campaign goal.

Covert was also director of communications for the Daniels Fund in Denver and served as VP of development and communications for Florence Crittenton Services, a human service agency serving metro Denver.

She holds an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix.

She also has a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from The American College of Financial Services.