The Board of Directors Award recognizes outstanding achievements by advancement staff in applying creative concepts to improving performance, advancing fundraising efforts and promoting a better understanding of the university-wide major gift fundraising activities. It is the most prestigious award a Foundation employee can receive.
Congratulations to the 2023 recipients!
Jessy Lawrence
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Communications and Donor Engagement,
UT Knoxville
Jessy began her tenure in UT Knoxville’s alumni office 10 years ago, and has risen through the ranks to recently be named assistant vice chancellor for communications and donor engagement. In fiscal year 2022, she lead her team of 19 as they processed 1,482 emails, produced close to 3,000 endowment reports and increased web traffic by 23%. Her team values the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the office and view her as a great collaborator and teammate.
Katie McMahon
Senior Business Analyst,
Central Services
In the decade that Katie has worked with the UT Foundation, she has risen from a senior research analyst to senior business analyst where she currently serves the User Services team as lead trainer and ANDI administrator. She is also an integral part of the current ACE implementation project, working through Salesforce Bootcamp while leading the Advancement Services team effort in implementing a new project management system. Her colleagues see her as a mentor, problem-solver and a joy to work with.
Dana Prince
Senior Director of Advancement Services,
UT Martin
Dana has been at UT Martin for over 30 years, and has spent that time honing her knowledge and skills in advancement. Under her leadership, the Office of Advancement has implemented the UTM stewardship plan, engaged in cross-campus collaborations and boosted a historic campaign to $175 million. Dana’s colleagues count her positive attitude, knowledge and creative approach to challenges as key to keeping the office running.
Katherine Roberts
Business Intelligence Analyst,
Central Services
Katherine joined the UT Foundation in 2019, and has set the bar for accuracy, efficiency and initiative on the Business Intelligence team. Her reporting efforts led to a record breaking fiscal year 2022, including pulling more than 70 solicitation segments with complete accuracy for UTK’s Big Orange Give in addition to her daily responsibilities. Katherine has also taken over leading the team meetings and is known to bring a positive and collaborative attitude into the office each day.