Craig T. Chindemi, vice president for institutional advancement at Canisius College, announced today that Dianna Civello has been promoted to associate vice president for institutional advancement (AVPIA). Civello began this new role on October 1, 2010.
As AVPIA, Civello plays a key leadership role on the advancement team and a major role in A Legacy of Leadership: The Campaign for Canisius College. While maintaining a significant portfolio of major gift donors, Civello works closely with the vice president for institutional advancement and the college’s comprehensive campaign chair to orchestrate campaign solicitation strategies. She also oversees institutional advancement efforts, including the engagement and stewardship of key alumni, friends and corporate and foundation partners, as well as communication to inform donors of the impact of their contributions.
In addition to campaign responsibilities and the management of the day-to-day operations of the Institutional Advancement Division, Civello is a member of President John J. Hurley’s senior operating team and serves as secretary to the Board of Regents and the Medical Advisory Board. In 2008, Civello received the George M. Martin Award, given to a member of the advancement team whose initiative, creativity and teamwork brings distinction to him/herself and the college.
“In selecting an associate vice president, I was interested in a person who could lead, manage, and collaborate,” said Chindemi. “Dianna possesses all of these attributes and knows how and when to utilize each approach. Deans and other campus leadership seek out her counsel and participation in campus-wide activities. Her ability to develop meaningful relationships with Canisius alumni and leaders in the Western New York community is a particular strength.”
Civello previously served as the college’s interim associate vice president for institutional advancement from January – September, 2010. She was the director of development for major gifts at Canisius from 2006 – 2009 and a major gift officer from 2003 – 2006.
Prior to Canisius, Civello was director of development for The Buffalo Seminary from 1998 – 2003 and served as chair of the school’s Department of Foreign Languages from 1996 – 1998. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching Spanish at both the high school and college levels.
Civello holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the State University College of New York at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College.
Submitted by: Public Relations
