Stanford fundraising veteran moves north

Nancy L. Wells began her five-year mandate as McGill's new Vice-Principal (Development and Alumni Relations) on May 1, replacing Derek Drummond, who has served McGill in this capacity since 1996.

Principal Heather Munroe-Blum says she is delighted that McGill has recruited someone of Nancy Wells's calibre and experience. "This represents a tremendous opportunity for us to raise the bar for private giving to McGill and strengthen our ties of support among alumni and friends. The Stanford fundraising team is one of the best in North American higher education. It is truly a 'dream team,' and I know we can expect great things for our University under Nancy's leadership."

Wells, in turn, has high praise for McGill. "McGill has an international reputation for academic excellence, and its location in Montreal is very appealing. I am [also] impressed by Principal Munroe-Blum's energy and her high aspirations. It will be particularly exciting to work with her and her colleagues. Finally, I'm very attracted by the strength of the development and alumni programs at McGill."

At Stanford since 1993, Wells has most recently been in charge of the performance and strategic direction of units involved in individual giving, corporate, foundation and donor relations, stewardship and communications, human resources and financial planning. Among her earlier responsibilities at Stanford, she was a major gifts officer focused on the East Coast of the United States and Europe. Prior to that, she served as founding director of the Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education.

Before her move to the West Coast, Wells held various positions at the American University (Washington, DC) and was managing director of a nonprofit fundraising consulting firm. She has a master's degree in education from Indiana University and a BA in sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (formerly North Adams State College). She has done volunteer work for opera, conservation and elementary education.