Western University names Kelly Cole new Vice-President (External)

Western University has named Kelly Cole as its new Vice-President (External). Currently serving as the Executive Director of Advancement for the Ivey Business School, Cole has 23 years of development experience. Recognized internationally as a strong communicator, she has a passion for philanthropy, as well as being an innovative leader.

Cole begins her new role on January 2, 2014.

“As Western continues to grow its reputation nationally and internationally through its teaching and research excellence, the role of Vice-President (External) has never been more important than it is today,” says Amit Chakma, Western’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Kelly is an extraordinarily talented and strategic leader, and we are so very pleased to have her join Western’s senior administrative team.”

Chakma adds that Western has strong support from its 260,000 alumni around the world.

“Kelly understands from her work at Ivey, the incredible contribution alumni make to Western’s success and in her new role she will continue the university’s efforts to deepen our relationship with our alumni,” says Chakma.

Ivey Dean Robert Kennedy says, “I am extremely thankful for what Kelly has done for us over the past nine years. Having led Ivey through its successful $200 million campaign, this new position at Western is a natural next step in her career and I know that as Western’s new Vice-President (External) she will help the entire University build its collaborative programs and ever stronger alumni and corporate development initiatives.”

In her new role at Western, Cole will work directly with Western’s Campaign Cabinet, senior leadership and the External Relations team as she leads the university’s continued “Be Extraordinary” campaign to achieve its goal of raising $750 million by 2018.

Prior to joining Ivey, Cole was Senior Counsel with The Fundraising Network where she worked with Thames Valley Children Centre, Brescia University College, Orchestra London and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. Over a four-year period as President & CEO of West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation in Toronto, she led the foundation through a capital campaign, which tripled revenue.

Earlier in her career, Cole worked at Western, serving as Development Officer (Parents Program), Associate Director (Planned Gifts) and ultimately Associate Campaign Director between 1991 and 2000.

Holding a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honors Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, Cole now lives in Woodstock with her husband and two children. She is a member of the board of directors of the Hospice for Life Foundation.