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Matthew P. Stinson, vice president for institutional advancement at Westminster College (Pennsylvania), has been named the vice president for development and alumni affairs at Allegheny College. He will assume his new position on Sept. 1, 2020.

Stinson will work directly with President Hilary L. Link and the Board of Trustees in all matters of fundraising and alumni relations, providing leadership for the development, execution and ongoing assessment of an integrated plan for fundraising and alumni relations. “Matt’s experience points to his strengths in mentoring the advancement team, improving the quality and effectiveness of programming, while continuing to enhance a culture of collaboration and collegiality,” said Link. “Following a nationwide search, Matt emerged as the clear choice of the search committee for this critical position at the college.”

As vice president for development and alumni affairs, Stinson will lead a team of 28 staff members in Advancement, Alumni Affairs, Annual Giving, Development Resources, Donor Relations, Foundation & Corporate Relations, Gift Planning and Reunion Giving.

Most recently, Stinson’s team at Westminster College was the recipient of the prestigious 2020 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for demonstrating significant program growth in fundraising — revamping a program that is now nationally recognized for their work.

“From our very first conversation, I felt Matt was the right person for this role,” Link said. “The prospectus for the search noted that we were seeking an individual who was ‘entrepreneurial, creative, driven and committed to transformation;’ we have found all of that and more in Matt. I am excited to see in which ways he will help the senior team and me transform the college and strengthen its foundations and its culture.”

Stinson earned his Master of Education from Westminster College in 2020 and an MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship from Jones International University in 2005. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Mount Union College/University.

Before joining Westminster College, Stinson was with the University of Mount Union as director of university advancement. He began his second career in nonprofit fundraising while serving as the administrator for the Copeland Oaks Foundation.

Prior to his work in advancement, Stinson spent over 10 years in the for-profit technology startup industry helping to shape product releases and sales and marketing strategies for emerging technologies. He has experience with acquisitions and initial public offerings. Stinson also helped to launch the entrepreneurship program at the University of Mount Union, serving in both administrative and lecturer roles.

“I am honored and humbled by the privilege of representing Allegheny College,” Stinson said. “It is a distinguished institution with a noble history, and I look forward to leading the college’s advancement efforts into an exciting future with President Link and her leadership team.”

Stinson is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as a past board member of the Mahoning-Shenango chapter, and is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). He was a former board member and president of the East Ohio United Methodist Foundation. Stinson is an active community participant, having served as a past board member of Alliance Kiwanis. He was a co-founding board member of the Alliance Community Pantry. He consults pro bono for nonprofit organizations needing assistance with fundraising strategies.