Putting it together: Solutions-based collaboration to unite teams in higher education

Author's Biography

Tara Fleming has raised tens of millions of dollars to advance the goals of scientists, educators and humanitarians through research, strategic planning and the development of compelling grant proposals to public and private funding sources. She has over two decades of experience in grants research, writing and administration as well as general fundraising and communications. Currently the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Stony Brook University, Tara has also served as Director of Public Affairs and Development for the MediSys Health Network in New York City and as an adjunct at several colleges. Tara has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and a master’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

Rich Becker is in his fifth year as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University at Albany, where he works with university faculty and staff to identify opportunities for collaboration with private and corporate foundations. His team interacts with all nine UAlbany schools and colleges. Prior to joining UAlbany, Rich was the Manager of Development Communications at Albany Medical Center and before that spent 25 years working in the broadcast journalism field. He currently serves on several nonprofit boards in New York Capital region. Rich holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the State University of New York, College at Plattsburgh.

Melanie Buhrmaster began her fundraising career more than 25 years ago at the Elmwood Franklin School in Buffalo, New York. Since then, she has held numerous leadership roles with the National Kidney Foundation of Western New York, The Salvation Army, Ruffalo Noel Levitz and the State University of New York at Buffalo. A highly accomplished and motivated development professional experienced in building relationships with individuals, corporations and foundations, Melanie has raised more than US$40m over her fundraising career. She has proven abilities in leadership, motivation, creativity and communication and an excellent track record of identifying prospects and customising solicitation plans to meet and exceed performance expectations. Recently, Melanie authored a book and created ‘The Book Fairy’, a doll designed to encourage a lifelong passion of reading in children. Look for the debut in early 2019. Melanie has a bachelor of arts in public communication from Buffalo State College and a master of science in education from the University at Buffalo.

Winsome A. Foderingham is a 21-year higher education academic administrator who has worked in five university divisions (research, student affairs, athletics, academic affairs and advancement). She has extensive experience in management and partnership building, grants management and has gained a unique cross-sector perspective from years in nonprofit management, training and executive education for public-private constituents and foundation relations. After her first decade in higher education, Winsome became Community Relations Manager for the Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation, overseeing the New York State Capital District and Hudson Valley regions. She returned to the University at Albany in 2007, joining the Division of Advancement’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations. She works campus wide with faculty in training and developing the grant proposal process and also assists with securing foundation grants for faculty and university-wide campaigns and special initiatives. Winsome has also designed and delivered workshops for faculty, staff and students. Recently, she presented at the American Council on Education (ACE) New York’s Women’s Network on the topic, ‘Authentic Transformation in Higher Education: Leading from Purpose and Redefining Success’. As an alumna and member of UAlbany’s Athletic Hall of Fame, she received a bachelor of arts in psychology and master’s in public administration.