After working with the Binghamton University Foundation for 13 years, Sheila Doyle was appointed as its executive director on July 1.
The BU Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises money to support various aspects of Binghamton University, such as research, faculty hiring, awards and scholarships. After serving as the associate executive director, Doyle stepped in as the interim executive director when her predecessor, Marcia Craner, left last year to teach philanthropy.
The board of directors, composed of alumni and community members, along with President Harvey Stenger, voted for her position to be made permanent.
“Sheila has a long track record of helping the Binghamton University Foundation meet its goals,” Stenger said. “She will help plan and organize the continued growth and development of the University, and ensure the campus gets the support it needs.”
When Craner held the position, she was both the executive director as well as the vice president of internal affairs of the foundation. In an attempt to add more focus to each part of the foundation, the internal affairs position is now headed by Jim Broschart. He will focus on the fundraising itself, which comes from donors, community members and alumni, while Doyle will handle the money once it comes in and distribute it among investments, spending by the University and scholarships for students.
The foundation has also grown over the past years: When Doyle arrived 13 years ago total endowment was at $33 million, and it has now reached $100 million.
“It’s gotten big,” Doyle said. “The foundation has grown to the point where to have it all under one person kind of detracts from the fundraising.”
The foundation is set up to support all different aspects of the University, from arts to athletics. But a significant amount of work being done and funds being raised go toward student aid, according to Doyle. Last year alone, $2.5 million in endowments were raised for scholarships for students; a number that she said the foundation and Stenger are hoping will grow.
“It’s very exciting with the vision of the president,” Doyle said. “I just think it’s a great time for the University.”
Stenger also said the foundation improves student life by offering financial aid and purchasing up-to-date lab equipment.
“Funds raised by the Binghamton University Foundation are used to support programs, facilities and initiatives that effect Binghamton students every day,” Stenger said. “We are confident that, through Sheila’s leadership, the Binghamton University Foundation will further enrich the lives of our students.”
As part of the planned increase for the endowment, the foundation plans on building an incubator in Downtown Binghamton, allowing a tax-exempt way to receive grants. If all goes as planned, building is set to begin as soon as the end of this month, so by next year new businesses can move in and begin their partnerships.
Doyle was born and raised in the Binghamton area, earning an accounting degree from St. Bonaventure University. After working her way up as an auditor for Chase Bank, she returned to Binghamton in 2000, and says she is excited to be helping her hometown.
“Seeing how important the University is to the community and the partnership that can be formed there to make all boats rise together,” Doyle said. “That would make me very happy as someone who grew up here.”