Hobart and William Smith Colleges

April 28, 2026

Dear Members of the HWS Community,

I am pleased to share that Jared C. Weeden ’91 has been appointed Vice President for Advancement following a comprehensive national search.

Jared is an accomplished and deeply experienced advancement leader whose connection to Hobart and William Smith spans more than three decades. Since joining the Colleges in 2001, he has served in progressively senior roles, most recently as Vice President for Advancement and Director of Principal Gifts. In that capacity, he has led strategies to cultivate and secure transformational gifts, helping drive record-setting fundraising results, including more than $100 million raised in each of the past two fiscal years. 

Throughout his career, Jared has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inspire generosity, build meaningful relationships and deliver results that advance institutional priorities. Equally important, he brings a deep understanding of HWS, a collaborative leadership style and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

As an alumnus, Jared’s dedication to Hobart and William Smith is both personal and professional. He has remained actively engaged with campus life over the years, contributing as a coach and volunteer, and he approaches this new role with energy, vision and a clear sense of purpose.

Please join me in congratulating Jared on this appointment. I am confident that under his leadership, our advancement efforts will continue to build on the strong momentum we have achieved and position Hobart and William Smith for an even more ambitious future.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Gearan
President