Ann Gleason Named Duke's Director of Major Gifts

Ann Gleason will serve as Duke University's director of major gifts in its Office of University Development, Duke's newly named executive director of development Ellen Medearis announced Tuesday.

Gleason, who has served as a Duke development officer since 1997, will manage the offices of major gifts and research and constituency development, leading a combined staff of 16.

"Ann and I have worked together since she came to Duke," said Medearis, "and I couldn't be more pleased that we will continue to do so in this key position. I know I can count on her to lead a very talented staff, as well as to maintain her close relationships with Duke donors."

At Duke, the Office of Major Gifts identifies, cultivates, and solicits prospects capable of gifts of $100,000 and more, as well as leading regional and national volunteer efforts. The Office of Research and Constituency Development is responsible for discovering potential Duke supporters.

Before she was appointed executive director of development in September, Medearis led both areas, as well as directing leadership giving, during the Campaign for Duke, which raised $2.36 billion between 1996 and 2003. Gleason reported to her, first as regional major gifts director, then as associate director for major gifts.

Previously, Gleason worked as assistant director of development at the University of Maryland's University College, assistant director of development at the Catholic Charities of Washington and associate director of the Office of Alumni Relations at the American University. She also has held administrative posts at the Catholic University in Washington and at Skidmore College in New York.

Gleason, who resides in Raleigh, is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned a master's degree in higher education and student affairs at Indiana University. She also is a graduate of Bridges XI, an academic leadership program for women.