Michelle Gardner

Michelle Gardner, a higher ed evangelist and lifelong learner, has over two decades of experience working with private donors to advance and support higher education. Her solid foundation of experience in the advancement lifecycle has helped her identify individuals who can move an organization forward, bringing heroes and family to the table as donors and partners, and communicating trust and gratitude. Gardner's passion for learning has led her to become a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and completed an MS in Systems Science at Binghamton's Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. Gardner is Senior Director of Foundation Relations at Binghamton University and formerly held various roles, including Senior Director of Prospect Research, Senior Director of Development Communication and Stewardship, and Director of Development at Brock University. She is also a former board member of SUNYCUAD and The Parris Foundation, Inc. Gardner's professional background and expertise include fundraising management, communication, constituency assistance, and public relations.