The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) have appointed a new director of advancement to lead its fundraising campaigns for university initiatives, programs, and scholarships.
David Leis started at the university on Oct. 20.
He was most recently director of communications and donor relations at Mennonite Central Committee Canada. Leis has experience in leading fundraising and development at post-secondary institutions (at Canadian Mennonite University and Red River College), in the non-profit sector and in the business world. He also has experience in the realm of municipal politics, having served as a councillor in the region of Waterloo and mayor of the Township of Woolwich.
Leis has a bachelor of arts from the University of Waterloo, a master's of public administration from Queen’s University, and a certificate in development from Ryerson University.
Leis said he is excited about joining UFV.
“How UFV presents itself as a university and community resonates strongly with who I am as a person,” he said. “It is a highly community-oriented institution set in a positive and dynamic region of Canada."
“I am very excited about getting to know more about the many of the different sectors of the population in the UFV region. The level and quality of partnerships that a university makes with its communities has a profound impact on their mutual success.”
Advancement is part of the UFV University Relations department, headed by executive director Leslie Courchesne.
“I am very pleased to welcome David Leis to UFV,” said Courchesne. “UFV changes lives and builds community, thanks to strong relationships with our donors and partners. Mr. Leis is an outstanding addition to UFV, and is key to advancing the university and the Fraser Valley communities we serve.”