Gwynedd Mercy University announced last week that Keith Richardson has been named the school’s next Vice President for University Advancement. Richardson will take over for Susannah Coleman, who served in the role on an interim basis since the beginning of the year. The previous vice president, Gerald McLaughlin, CFRE, retired in November 2020 after serving in the role for 15 years. Richardson will join GMercyU on August 2nd.

“We are thrilled to welcome an energetic and passionate professional to lead our Advancement team here at Gwynedd Mercy University,” said GMercyU president Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD. “Keith brings years of expertise in fundraising, relationship building, and strategic leadership that will be invaluable in executing and leading our next Comprehensive Campaign and propelling the University forward.”

Richardson has been the Vice President for External Affairs at Delaware Valley University since 2018, where he spearheaded the best fundraising year in the last decade and the second-best fundraising year in university history in 2020.

Prior to his role at Delaware Valley University, Richardson was the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Programs at Monmouth University. His team secured gifts and pledges representing a 38% increase from the previous year, making it the second-best fundraising year in the university’s history. Prior to Monmouth, Keith served as Director of Athletic Development, Major Gifts at Rutgers University Foundation, and as Director of Major Gifts at Rider University.

“At Gwynedd Mercy University, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore,” said Richardson. “My passion is building lasting and meaningful relationships, and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and leadership to cultivate existing connections and create new ones.”

Richardson holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing, both from Rider University.

Photo: Gwynedd Mercy University