University of Massachusets Athletics
Palmer Returns to Alma Mater as Associate Athletic Director for Development
July 17, 2017 | General, Athletics Department
2002 graduate Heather Palmer brings wealth of experience back to the University of Massachusetts
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Department of Athletics announced the hiring of Heather Palmer to the role of Associate Athletic Director for Development on Monday. Palmer, a 2002 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, holds 15 years of experience in collegiate athletics.
Â
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and play a leadership role in an athletics program that was integral in my own personal and professional development," Palmer said. "It is an exciting time to be in Amherst, and I look forward to working with the UMass community as we support and celebrate the success of our student-athletes."
Â
Most recently, Palmer worked nearby in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the College of the Holy Cross from 2012-17. She initially served as the Associate Director of the Holy Cross Fund and Annual Athletics Fundraising before she received a promotion to the Director of the Crusader Athletics Fund position in 2014, including a record total of $2 million this past year.
Â
"We are thrilled to add Heather to our Minutemen Club staff," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development David Biancamano said. "She has a proven track record of fundraising success and a passion for generating resources to support athletic programs and student-athletes. Heather will be a key cog within the department, and make an immediate impact that will positively affect our alumni and fans."
Â
During her time at Holy Cross, Palmer designed and implemented an acknowledgement and stewardship strategy for all gifts to athletics. She also created the Purple Pride Challenge; a three-day giving campaign, and worked with leadership giving officers to identify Challenge donors. Her efforts helped Holy Cross increase annual athletics fundraising by 200 percent.
Â
A long-time resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Palmer served as Director of Athletic Alumni Relations and Stewardship at Harvard University from 2009-12. In this role, she designed and applied the department's overall stewardship and fundraising strategy for major gifts, capital projects and annual fund appeal, with the result of a 16 percent increase to the annual fundraising total.
Â
Palmer tenure at Harvard University also included five years spent as a member of the Crimson athletic communications staff as an assistant director. From 2006-11, she served as primary contact and liaison between media members, student-athletes and coaches for 14 of Harvard's 41 varsity sports, including four nationally-ranked programs. She came to Harvard from the University of Pennsylvania, where Palmer was a member of the Quakers' athletic communications team for three years.
Â
The University of Massachusetts alumna graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 2002. She was a member of the women's track and field program at UMass during her undergraduate studies. Palmer earned a masters of liberal arts in extension studies degree with a concentration in management and operations at Harvard University in 2011.
Â
For continued coverage of UMass Athletics, follow the department on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@UMassAthletics).
Â
Â
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and play a leadership role in an athletics program that was integral in my own personal and professional development," Palmer said. "It is an exciting time to be in Amherst, and I look forward to working with the UMass community as we support and celebrate the success of our student-athletes."
Â
Most recently, Palmer worked nearby in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the College of the Holy Cross from 2012-17. She initially served as the Associate Director of the Holy Cross Fund and Annual Athletics Fundraising before she received a promotion to the Director of the Crusader Athletics Fund position in 2014, including a record total of $2 million this past year.
Â
"We are thrilled to add Heather to our Minutemen Club staff," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development David Biancamano said. "She has a proven track record of fundraising success and a passion for generating resources to support athletic programs and student-athletes. Heather will be a key cog within the department, and make an immediate impact that will positively affect our alumni and fans."
Â
During her time at Holy Cross, Palmer designed and implemented an acknowledgement and stewardship strategy for all gifts to athletics. She also created the Purple Pride Challenge; a three-day giving campaign, and worked with leadership giving officers to identify Challenge donors. Her efforts helped Holy Cross increase annual athletics fundraising by 200 percent.
Â
A long-time resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Palmer served as Director of Athletic Alumni Relations and Stewardship at Harvard University from 2009-12. In this role, she designed and applied the department's overall stewardship and fundraising strategy for major gifts, capital projects and annual fund appeal, with the result of a 16 percent increase to the annual fundraising total.
Â
Palmer tenure at Harvard University also included five years spent as a member of the Crimson athletic communications staff as an assistant director. From 2006-11, she served as primary contact and liaison between media members, student-athletes and coaches for 14 of Harvard's 41 varsity sports, including four nationally-ranked programs. She came to Harvard from the University of Pennsylvania, where Palmer was a member of the Quakers' athletic communications team for three years.
Â
The University of Massachusetts alumna graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 2002. She was a member of the women's track and field program at UMass during her undergraduate studies. Palmer earned a masters of liberal arts in extension studies degree with a concentration in management and operations at Harvard University in 2011.
Â
For continued coverage of UMass Athletics, follow the department on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@UMassAthletics).
Â
Monday, June 08
Sunday, May 31
Friday, May 29
Friday, May 29