Vice President for Advancement

Marist University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirk Swenson as Vice President for Advancement, following a national search. Kirk joins Marist after more than five years as Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He brings a wealth of expertise in higher education advancement and a strong track record of leadership in fundraising, alumni engagement, and strategic development. 

At UNC Asheville, Swenson led the modernization of the university’s Advancement Office by bringing strategic vision and best practices. He guided the most successful period of fundraising in the institution’s history, securing multiple lead gifts and leading the launch of the University’s Centennial Campaign. Swenson played a central role in establishing the Gateway Scholars Program, advancing signature capital projects, and expanding community partnerships, including the nationally recognized Asheville Ideas Fest.

In his new role, Kirk will oversee Marist’s advancement and alumni relations teams, leading efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, deepen alumni and donor relationships, and advance the University’s long-term strategic goals. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Kirk says he and his family look forward to joining the Marist community in person this January. He adds that he was drawn to Marist by the dedication of the University’s volunteers and leaders.

Before his time at Asheville, Swenson led the advancement team at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he served as Vice President for College Advancement. His previous higher education experience includes roles at Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, and Ithaca College.

Swenson earned his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and is currently completing his doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from UNC Chapel Hill.

Jack Gorman led this search with Grace Zakim, Maureen Bogdan, and Ryan Cheung.