Nicole DeStefano, currently vice president for development at the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), will join Wagner College as director of development and external relations in August. At Wagner, DeStefano will work with campus and community partners to expand the college's footprint throughout Staten Island and greater New York City, steer government and community relations, and lead key fundraising initiatives. She will report jointly to President Angelo Araimo and Chief Development and Alumni Officer Kaitlin Girton.
"Nicole brings rich experience and deep relationships throughout Staten Island and greater New York City," said President Araimo.
"She will help us champion our mission to be an anchor institution," Ms. Girton added. "We are thrilled to welcome Nicole to our team. Her fundraising talents will help us generate support for the college's exciting growth initiatives in the years ahead."
A lifelong Staten Islander, DeStefano has held fundraising and external relations roles at the SIEDC, On Your Mark, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In these roles, she has worked with leadership teams, boards, private donors, and elected officials to generate millions in sponsorships, grants, and discretionary funding. An accomplished event planner, DeStefano has also led planning for conferences, charity walks, expos, and galas. In March, DeStefano partnered with the college's Chief of Staff Mark Harmon-Vaught to lead planning for the inaugural Forum for a Sustainable Future hosted by the SIEDC and Wagner. She holds a BS in advertising and marketing communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
DeStefano will begin in her new role on August 9.
