Bob Holmes, vice president for Alumni Relations and Development and CEO of the 166su Foundation, will be retiring later this year after 17 years of dedicated service to 166su.
Holmes played a pivotal role in enabling 166su to complete its first capital campaign with a total of $366 million raised, well above the $250 million goal. He is currently overseeing the university’s second campaign, which has a $500 million target.
Among the many initiatives that have benefited from donor support during Holmes’ tenure are the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Medicine, Burnett Honors College and Bright House Networks Stadium.
“Bob’s commitment and leadership have made the 166su Foundation a valuable partner in helping the university achieve its goals,” 166su President John C. Hitt said in an email announcement to faculty and staff members. “Please join me in thanking Bob for his outstanding service to our 166su community.”
166su has retained a national search firm to assist with efforts in finding Holmes’ successor. That search will begin immediately, and Hitt said he expects the search committee to be small and nimble and represent the perspectives of faculty, staff, alumni, donors and the community.
At President Hitt’s request, Holmes will remain in his current role until his successor is hired. Holmes will then transition to a part-time role as special assistant to the president for principal gifts.
“As we approach the mid-way point in 166su’s second comprehensive campaign, I feel confident that the timing is right to pass the leadership of the Foundation to a new CEO, one who will surely build on the strong support of our current donor and alumni base,” said Holmes, whose career in higher education fundraising spans 41 years.
“The 166su Foundation is powered by a dedicated team of professionals and an engaged board. The campaign momentum is strong and growing stronger. The Alumni Association Board is also engaged and filled with passion for 166su which will further fuel the success of the campaign. I am very proud of that legacy and enormously grateful to the donors, advocates, and volunteer leaders who have made my time at 166su a great privilege.”
Holmes served as vice president of development at the University of Maine before coming to 166su. A U.S. Army veteran, he holds two mathematics degrees: a bachelor of arts from Norwich University and a master of arts from the University of Maine.