UTICA, N.Y. — The Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Board of Trustees, at its December 2021 meeting, appointed Deanna Ferro-Aurience as executive director of institutional advancement, as well as the MVCC Foundation.
As executive director, Ferro-Aurience is responsible for developing and implementing all fundraising and development program and will work with other college leaders to maintain and expand collaborative college-wide development efforts.
Ferro-Aurience started working for the MVCC Foundation 16 years ago as events coordinator, before being promoted to director of donor resource and development and later director of development. In that position, she managed high-level donors and grant-funded projects that helped the foundation achieve key programming goals and build long-term relationships and funding resources.
“As a former MVCC presidential scholar and student-athlete, Deanna has personally experienced the powerful impact of the MVCC Foundation,” MVCC President Randall VanWagoner said in a press release. He added that her more than 16 years on staff provide her with insight and vision to connect with donors and alumni to expand the foundation’s reach and provide even more students the opportunity to reach their educational goals.
Throughout her time at MVCC, Ferro-Aurience has served as committee chair and race director of the college’s Ted Moore Run/Walk, coordinated the foundation’s annual golf tournament, and assisted in the foundation’s Week of Giving campaigns. She also manages several grants that benefit MVCC’s thINCubator including the New York State HotSpot and federal i6 grants; coordinates the college’s Hall of Fame ceremony; and participates in a number of college committees, initiatives, and collegial opportunities.
Before joining MVCC, Ferro-Aurience worked at the United Way of the Greater Utica Area as campaign coordinator and then marketing and communications coordinator. She also worked as a tour center and gift shop supervisor and assistant supervisor for Matt Brewing Company.
Along with an associate degree in media, marketing, and management from MVCC, Ferro-Aurience holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and advertising management from Marist College and a master’s degree in communications from Ithaca College.
Mohawk Valley Community College (www.mvcc.edu) offers 90 degree and certificate options for its enrollment of 6,000 full- and part-time students and also serves an additional 6,000 people through its corporate and community education programs.