FSU names AVP of advancement

FSU names AVP of advancement

David Lepper. Courtesy FSU

Ferris State University has named its new associate vice president of advancement.

David Lepper, who has spent over 30 years working in fundraising, has been chosen to take on the job. He will begin his duties on Feb. 6.

Lepper will be responsible for leading a fundraising staff of 14 and their work at FSU: annual giving, athletic giving, major giving, planned giving, advancement services, research, prospect management and foundation and donor relations.

Lepper will also be charged with managing a personal portfolio of major gift donors, as well as prospects and meeting annual goals for fundraising.

Development background

Lepper has served as consultant at the Beverly Hills-based Remington Group since 2007 and as a senior consultant for Winning Futures in Warren.

Previously, Lepper’s development career spanned a range of organizations and roles: The Jefferson Foundation in Pennsylvania, senior vice president; Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, executive director of development and alumni affairs; chief development officer for Focus: HOPE in Detroit; senior vice president at William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills; the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, campaign director; United Way Community Services, campaign director and Dun and Bradstreet in Detroit, division manager.

He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.

“I am looking forward to using my experience to help Ferris State University increase its philanthropic support by working with the president, board of trustees, The Ferris Foundation board of directors, deans and faculty, alumni, donors and staff,” Lepper said. “Together, we will meet the important financial needs of our students and Ferris.”