HWS News
28 April 2026 • Alums Jared Weeden '91 Appointed HWS' VP for Advancement
Longtime advancement leader and alumnus to guide next chapter of philanthropic growth.
President Mark D Gearan has announced the appointment of Jared C. Weeden '91 as Vice President for Advancement, following a comprehensive national search. A seasoned advancement professional with nearly three decades of experience, Weeden brings a proven record of leadership, innovation and fundraising success to the role.
Weeden has served Hobart and William Smith in progressively senior advancement roles since 2001, most recently as Associate Vice President for Advancement and Director of Principal Gifts. In that capacity, he has led strategies for cultivating and securing transformational gifts, contributing to record-setting fundraising performance, including more than $100 million raised in each of the last two fiscal years. Earlier in his tenure, he served as Assistant Vice President for Advancement, where he oversaw alumni relations and annual giving; Director of Alumni Relations, leading engagement strategies; and Director of Annual Giving and Parent Relations, rebuilding the annual giving programs and the Parents Executive Committee. Across his tenure, Weeden has played a pivotal role in strengthening alumni and parent engagement, enhancing philanthropic culture and advancing institutional priorities.
“Jared Weeden is an outstanding leader whose deep understanding of Hobart and William Smith, combined with his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to our mission, make him uniquely suited for this role,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “The competition for the role was impressive but Jared distinguished himself as someone with the experience and acumen to take the advancement function of HWS to a new level of excellence.”
“Throughout his career, Jared has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inspire generosity, cultivate enduring relationships and deliver results that truly move the institution forward,” says Joseph C. Stein III ’86, Chair of the HWS Board of Trustees. “He combines strategic insight with an authentic commitment to Hobart and William Smith, and that combination has helped drive extraordinary momentum in recent years. At this pivotal moment for the Colleges, we are confident in his leadership and excited for what lies ahead under his direction.”
“Jared is the epitome of passion and commitment to HWS. He has spent decades working for HWS, giving to HWS, and connecting all of us who are a part of HWS,” says Cassandra Naylor Brooks ’89, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. “As he takes on this important role at HWS, he is energized, forward thinking and ready to build on our fabulous momentum. HWS is going places and Jared Weeden is right there in the middle of it all, shoulder to shoulder with us on the HWS journey.”
Weeden’s career spans the full advancement continuum, including annual giving, alumni relations, major and principal gifts, and high-profile institutional events. He has led initiatives that consistently exceeded fundraising goals, expanded alumni participation and elevated HWS' national profile. His leadership has been marked by a collaborative approach, clear goal setting and a strong emphasis on accountability and team development.
As a student, Weeden played hockey and baseball and was a member of Sigma Chi. He was president of the Student Literacy Corps and served as the Buildings and Grounds liaison of the Hobart Student Government. Since his return to campus, he has maintained a deep and active connection to campus life, contributing as a coach and volunteer. His longstanding commitment to HWS reflects both personal dedication and professional investment in the institution's continued success.
“I am honored and energized to serve as Vice President for Advancement at Hobart and William Smith,” says Weeden. “This institution has been central to my life and career, and I am deeply committed to building on our momentum - strengthening engagement, fostering philanthropy and ensuring a vibrant future for HWS.”
Reflections from Members of the HWS Community
“It’s hard to imagine anyone better suited for this role. He has been such a constant at HWS for so many years – steady, reliable and deeply committed. As trustees, we’ve seen him in so many different contexts, always guiding, innovating and strengthening the institution in meaningful ways. It’s incredibly exciting to see him step into this senior leadership position. After all he has given, the institution will now benefit from him in an even greater way.”
- Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish '82, L.H.D. '23.
“Today’s announcement is a wonderful recognition of the hard work, passion and unwavering commitment Jared brings to everything he does. His creativity, bold vision, and ability to learn and grow from every experience make this new position especially well deserved. Heartfelt congratulations to Jared on this outstanding achievement!”
- Trustee Edward R. Cooper ’86, P’16 and Robin Savits Cooper ’87, P’16
“We love that Jared has been named Vice President for Advancement. He radiates the spirit and values of Hobart and William Smith and is the personification of the Colleges. No other candidate could match those credentials.”
- Honorary Trustee Katherine D. Elliott ’66, L.H.D. ’08 and Richard S. Abramson
“Jared Weeden is the embodiment of the HWS spirit. His tireless endeavor to continuously enhance the student experience on multiple fronts is truly contagious. As a Trustee serving on the Colleges’ Board, it is a privilege to be able to work with Jared.”
- Trustee Josephine Grayson P’18
“I am thrilled that Jared’s commitment and impact, over many years at Hobart and William Smith, have been recognized through this well-deserved appointment. Having had the opportunity to work closely with Jared, I am confident that Advancement is in very capable hands for many years to come.”
- Rob Karofsky ’89, Co-President Global Wealth Management and President UBS Americas
“Jared is a superb choice for this important role. No one knows HWS better or has a greater breadth of friendships among alumni. I’m thrilled for the Colleges, and for him.”
- Eric Lax ’66, L.H.D. ’93, Author
“I had the opportunity to work with Jared as a remote alumni engagement officer and fundraiser for the Colleges, and what stands out most is how genuinely contagious his love for HWS is. As an alum, Jared brings not only deep institutional knowledge, but also meaningful, long-standing relationships with alumni across the globe. That combination — authentic connection, strategic insight and clear commitment — positions HWS to build even greater momentum and strengthen its impact for generations to come.”
- Corey McClintock ’12, Senior Director of Research Partner Success, EAB
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Jared for more than two decades, and in that time I’ve seen firsthand the depth of his commitment to this institution and the people who care about it. He has a wonderful instinct for building genuine, lasting relationships. He brings thoughtfulness, energy and a deep understanding of what makes this place special. I can’t think of anyone better prepared to take on this role, and I’m excited to see the impact he will have in the years ahead.”
- Bob O’Connor P’22, P’23, Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Advisor
“Experience matters, but more important is a passion for the work and a passion for the mission of the place you are representing. Jared has both in spades. I have known Jared since our college days. I played hockey with Jared. I can tell you I have never played with anyone who has more heart. The man does not know quit. He puts 100% into everything he does. He cares deeply about Hobart and William Smith and will put in the work to bring it to new heights.”
- Chuck Ramsay ’92, Chief Advancement Officer, Deerfield Academy
