Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Foundation Board of Directors has appointed Christopher D. Jacobsen, Ph.D., as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 3.
A nationally recognized advancement leader with a record of transformational fundraising and collaborative leadership, Jacobsen will guide the Foundation’s efforts to advance the University of Vermont and its land-grant mission through philanthropy and alumni engagement.
Jacobsen succeeds Kathleen Kelleher, who has served as the interim President and CEO of the UVM Foundation since July 2025. Former CEO Monica Delisa resigned to pursue other opportunities effective July 28, 2025. Delisa had served since June 1, 2022.
“Chris Jacobsen is an exceptional leader whose track record and values align perfectly with this moment for the UVM Foundation,” said Rob Brennan ’83, chair of the UVM Foundation Board of Directors. “As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, philanthropy is more essential than ever. Chris understands both the urgency and the opportunity ahead. His ability to inspire donors, build strong partnerships, and deliver results positions us to move forward with confidence and purpose as we support UVM’s bright future.”
Jacobsen was drawn to UVM’s public mission, statewide impact, and ambitious vision for the future.
“I am honored to join the UVM Foundation at such an important moment for the university and for Vermont,” Jacobsen said. “UVM’s public purpose, academic ambition, and deep connection to the state it serves make this a powerful opportunity. I look forward to partnering with President Tromp, the Board, alumni, donors, and university leaders to advance the Green, Gold, and Bold vision and build support for UVM’s next chapter. With family roots in Vermont, this opportunity is also personal and I am excited to serve a place I care deeply about.”
University of Vermont President Marlene Tromp welcomed Jacobsen’s appointment as a significant step forward in advancing the university’s strategic direction.
“This is an exciting moment for the University of Vermont and the UVM Foundation,” said Tromp. “Chris brings significant energy and insight to help us advance our ambitious strategic plan and the university’s critical mission through philanthropy. We will build an even stronger partnership between the university and the Foundation, so we can accomplish more for our students, Vermont, and the world. In a challenging time for higher education, I am confident Chris will be a tremendous asset to our shared future.”
Jacobsen brings deep campaign and principal-gift experience across several of the nation’s leading higher education institutions, with a record of helping shape and execute comprehensive campaigns, securing eight-figure commitments, and building advancement programs aligned with institutional strategy. His career has spanned Cornell University, Dartmouth College, and Hamilton College, where he has worked closely with academic leaders, volunteers, alumni, parents, and donors to translate institutional priorities into transformational philanthropic opportunities.
Most recently, Jacobsen served as Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development for Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, where he led advancement during Cornell’s $6 billion comprehensive campaign and completed the college’s historic $500 million campaign two years ahead of schedule. Earlier at Cornell, he led advancement for the College of Human Ecology, exceeding its campaign goal and securing more than $100 million in new gifts over two years, including multiple eight-figure commitments and the largest gifts in the college’s history. He also led Cornell’s Parent Engagement and Philanthropy program, widely regarded as a best-in-class model, raising more than $20 million annually while expanding parent engagement and philanthropic support across the university.
Before Cornell, Jacobsen served as Executive Director of Development at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, where he helped complete The Tuck Difference campaign, surpassing its $250 million goal as part of Dartmouth’s $3 billion comprehensive campaign and doubling Tuck’s previous campaign record.
Taken together, Jacobsen’s experience reflects a consistent record of building campaign momentum, securing transformational principal gifts, and advancing institutional priorities through strategic, relationship-driven philanthropy. This experience will help position the UVM Foundation for its next chapter of growth and impact.
Jacobsen holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development, where his dissertation examined college access and outcomes among rural undergraduates. He also holds an Ed.M. in Higher Education Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.S., with highest honors, in English and Theater from Skidmore College.
Jacobsen was selected following a national search that launched in January 2026 and drew a highly competitive pool of candidates.
“The depth and rigor of this search process cannot be overstated,” said Kristina Pisanelli ’97, who chaired the search committee. “We engaged an impressive group of candidates from across the country. Chris stood out for his proven ability to deliver results, his deep understanding of higher education, and his authentic, relationship-driven leadership style. He rose to the top of a very strong field, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the UVM Foundation.”
With its valued staff, new leadership, and a clear vision for the future, the UVM Foundation looks ahead with confidence to its next chapter — strengthening support for students, faculty, research, and programs that serve Vermont and extend the university’s impact far beyond its borders.
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Vermont Business Magazine