Tim McMahon, who is currently serving as senior associate vice president in the Office of University Advancement at Villanova University, has been named Marquette’s vice president for university advancement, President Michael R. Lovell announced today. McMahon will start his new role at Marquette on Oct. 1, 2018.
McMahon was one of two finalists who were brought to campus for interviews during the university’s nationwide search for an advancement vice president in summer 2017. To kick off that process, executive search firm Witt Kieffer partnered with a search committee led by Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Scholl to develop a list of qualified candidates. That list was vetted and then several semi-finalists participated in interviews with the search committee, which included faculty, staff and student representation. As the last step in the process, two finalists were brought to campus last September to meet with Trustees, senior university leaders, faculty and university advancement staff.
President Lovell explained: “Following Gina Sholtis’ announcement that she would be leaving Marquette to return to Missouri to care for a loved one facing a health challenge, we learned that Tim remained interested in the role and feels that now is the right time to move his young family across the country for an institution he believes in. I am thrilled he’s joining our strong leadership team and look forward to working with Tim and our alumni around the world to bring Marquette to new heights.”
McMahon brings nearly two decades of higher education experience to his new role. As the number two leader in Villanova’s advancement office, McMahon has led day-to-day activities of the office for nearly five years, helping the team eclipse $100 million annually in new gifts and confirmed pledges. He helped usher in growth in major gifts and alumni giving, all while managing a portfolio of 40 major and principal gift prospects. McMahon previously served in athletics, development and university relations roles at Hofstra University and Fordham University.
McMahon will report directly to the president with a dotted line to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Lawlor.