Barney Ellis-Perry, an accomplished higher education advancement leader, will join Development and Alumni Relations as associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement and annual giving. He starts Feb. 1.
“Barney brings extensive experience building collaborative partnerships and inspiring high-performing teams,” said John Lutz, interim vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations. “He will work with partners across the university to cultivate a dynamic environment that meaningfully engages alumni, donors, parents and friends with Vanderbilt for life.”
Ellis-Perry brings to Vanderbilt more than 30 years of experience in alumni relations and fundraising. Most recently he was senior vice president for alumni relations at Grenzebach Glier and Associates. There he worked with clients in higher education to advance their alumni engagement and fundraising programs using strategic planning, engagement metrics and more. Previously, his leadership roles included serving as assistant vice chancellor for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the University of California-Irvine Alumni Association and director of the University of British Columbia’s alumni engagement campaign.
“Alumni engagement and annual giving are inextricably linked and are most successful when they work together seamlessly,” Ellis-Perry said. “I am delighted to join Vanderbilt University and looking forward to bringing my expertise and enthusiasm to this critical role.”
A native of Canada, Ellis-Perry holds a B.A. from the University of British Columbia in social psychology. He also has served as a volunteer for several organizations, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Newport Sea Base Advisory Committee in Newport Beach, California, and the University of British Columbia’s Arts Tri-Mentoring Program. He was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II and Canada’s prime minister in recognition of his community service and engagement.