Institutional Advancement Staff

The Division of Institutional Advancement is an integrated team that is dedicated to furthering the mission of the University and engaging alumni, parents and the community in the Westfield State experience.

Together, the different units support students, faculty and staff through fundraising, communications and engagement of external constituencies in meaningful interactions that foster pride, advocacy and private support for the University. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and lifelong relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

Our offices are located in the Horace Mann Center, 333 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01086.

Staff in Westfield State’s Division of Institutional Advancement are prepared to answer questions and assist you in determining how to fit your contribution to your own financial and philanthropic objectives.

Meet Our Team!

Lisa McMahon
Interim Vice President, Institutional Advancement
lmcmahon@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8645

Bill Hynes
Executive Director of Westfield State Foundation, Inc.
whynes@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8647

Joanne Leighton
Staff Assistant to the VP Institutional Advancement and Executive Director, Westfield State Foundation, Inc.
jleighton@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8811

ADVANCEMENT & STEWARDSHIP

Marnie Dacko
Major Gifts Officer
mdacko@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8648

Laura Blockel
Director of Corporate & Foundation Grants
lblockel@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8641

ANNUAL FUND

Sarah Wakelin
Senior Annual Giving Coordinator
swakelin@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-5228

ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

Liz Rich
Director of Advancement Services
erich@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8489

Alyce Stiles
Senior Coordinator of Advancement Services
astiles@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8654

Nicole Pratt
Administrative Assistant I, Advancement
npratt@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8654

ALUMNI RELATIONS

Ryan Meersman '12. M'18
Director, Alumni Relations
rmeersman@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-5404

Elle Bukosky
Recent Alumni & Reunion Coordinator
ebukosky@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8649

Cheri Baranowski
Administrative Assistant II, Alumni Relations
cbaranowski@westfield.ma.edu
(413) 572-8652