Gwynedd Mercy University Names New VP for University Advancement

GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. (July 6, 2021) – Gwynedd Mercy University has named Keith Richardson as its next Vice President for University Advancement. Richardson will take over for Susannah Coleman, who has served in an interim role since January 2021. The previous vice president, Gerald McLaughlin, CFRE, retired in November 2020 after serving in the role for 15 years. Richardson will join GMercyU on August 2.

Richardson has been the Vice President for External Affairs at Delaware Valley University since 2018, where he spearheaded the best fundraising year in the last decade and second-best fundraising year in university history in 2020.

“We are thrilled to welcome an energetic and passionate professional to lead our Advancement team here at Gwynedd Mercy University,” said GMercyU president Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD. “Keith brings years of expertise in fundraising, relationship building, and strategic leadership that will be invaluable in executing and leading our next Comprehensive Campaign and propelling the University forward.”

Prior to his role at Delaware Valley University, Richardson was the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Programs at Monmouth University. His team secured gifts and pledges representing a 38% increase from the previous year, making it the second-best fundraising year in the university’s history. Prior to Monmouth, Keith served as Director of Athletic Development, Major Gifts at Rutgers University Foundation, and as Director of Major Gifts at Rider University.

“At Gwynedd Mercy University, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore,” said Richardson. “My passion is building lasting and meaningful relationships, and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and leadership to cultivate existing connections and create new ones.”

Richardson holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing, both from Rider University.

Gwynedd Mercy University prepares students to become top professionals in the fields of health care, arts and sciences, business, and education. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University is a co-educational institution offering more than 40 bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degree programs as well as two doctoral programs on a full- and part-time basis. The University’s Main Campus is situated on 314 private acres on Sumneytown Pike between routes 309 and 202 in Gwynedd Valley, Montgomery County. The university also offers on-ground and fully online accelerated degree programs for working adults. Learn more at gmercyu.edu, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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