Orono, Maine — The University of Maine Foundation is pleased to announce that President/CEO Jeffery N. Mills has been selected to serve in leadership roles on two of the nation’s most influential professional committees for higher education fundraising and foundation governance.
Mills has been appointed to the Council of Foundation Leaders, an advisory group associated with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). The Council consists of senior foundation executives from across the country who provide insight on governance priorities, best practices, and strategic relationships between universities and their affiliated foundations. The Council meets quarterly and advises AGB on issues central to the advancement of higher education philanthropy.
“Jeff Mills brings a depth of experience in foundation leadership and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening the partnership between universities and their foundations,” said George P. Watt, Jr., AGB Senior Fellow and Senior Consultant. “His perspective will be an asset to the Council and to the institutions we serve.”
Mills has also been appointed to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) College and University Foundation Leadership Committee. This committee focuses on national leadership issues affecting university foundations and helps shape the agenda for the annual CASE Conference for College and University Foundations. CASE is the global membership organization dedicated to advancing education through alumni engagement, communications, and philanthropy.
“Jeff is widely respected among advancement professionals for his strategic leadership and his focus on mission-driven outcomes,” said Greg Willems, Chair of the CASE Leadership Committee. “We are pleased to welcome him to the committee and look forward to his contributions.”
In 2022, Mills was recognized by CASE as a recipient of the Commonfund College and University Foundation Award, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality, effectiveness, and leadership of university foundations.
Mills has served as President/CEO of the University of Maine Foundation since 2012. He previously served as Vice President for Advancement at Monmouth University in New Jersey and as Vice President for Advancement and President of the Alumni Association at the University of Maine, among other higher education leadership roles. Under his leadership, each institution experienced record philanthropic growth.
University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy praised Mills’ selection, “Jeff Mills is an outstanding professional whose leadership and commitment to the University of Maine have had a profound impact on our university. I am proud to be his colleague and congratulate him on being recognized by his peers for important positions at the national level.”
University of Maine Foundation Board Chair Chris Keating also recognized Mills’ record of achievement.
“Jeff has broken fundraising records everywhere he has served—public and private institutions, in both rural and metropolitan settings,” Keating said. “Every major campaign he has led has finished on schedule and over goal. His national appointments reflect a career defined by disciplined leadership and consistently outstanding results.”
