Pomona College, Assistant Vice President for Development

Following a national search, Pomona College (Pomona) has promoted Laura Wensley into the assistant vice president for development role, effective August 1, 2025. Reporting to Maria Watson, vice president for advancement, Wensley will lead and oversee major gifts, parent and family giving, leadership annual and reunion giving, and foundation and corporate relations to ensure the continued success and growth of philanthropic support for Pomona. Wensley will also work closely with campus partners and key volunteers to advance Pomona’s mission and impact as a leading liberal arts college. 

Wensley served as interim assistant vice president for development at Pomona since December 2024 and previously served as senior director of leadership annual and reunion giving. When Wensley joined Pomona in fall 2021, she immediately distinguished herself by cultivating a culture of collaboration within Advancement to strategically increase giving. As senior director, Wensley rebuilt the program, leading to record-breaking giving and volunteer participation. Prior to Pomona, Wensley was the director of development and alumni relations at The Webb Schools, where she oversaw a comprehensive development program, was a key contributor to two major comprehensive campaigns, and served as a key member of the advancement leadership team. 

Wensley earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of British Columbia.

Rachel Ellenport led this search with Nicole Poe, Bryce Ervin, and Rebecca Lyons.