Interim vice president for Development named

COLUMBUS – John Meyer, associate vice president and director of university development, has been named interim vice president for development and interim president of The Ohio State University Foundation Board, President Karen A. Holbrook announced today. The appointment of Meyer, who has been associated with fund-raising at the university since 1981, is subject to approval by the university’s Board of Trustees at its Feb. 7 meeting.

“I feel very confident that with John, we are in very good hands and will continue to move forward at the same pace,” Holbrook said. “John’s extensive experience at both the college and university levels, as well as the professionalism and expertise of the entire development staff, will ensure that we continue our progress in this critically important area.”

Meyer is filling the position on an interim basis until a permanent replacement for Jerry May is found. May begins a job Feb. 1 as vice president for development for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he worked just before coming to Ohio State.

A graduate of the College of Wooster, Meyer earned a master’s degree in political science from Kent State University. He has spent his entire professional career in development, beginning in 1974 as assistant director of development and alumni relations at the College of Wooster. He also was director of development at Centenary College of Louisiana before arriving at Ohio State in 1981 as the development director for the law school. In 1992, he was named assistant vice president and director of university development, and in 2001 associate vice president and director.

He currently manages the fund-raising staff of 70 professionals assigned to work with the colleges, schools and programs, and provides strategic planning and implementation expertise in raising significant gifts. Meyer played a significant role in the university’s $1.23 billion “Affirm Thy Friendship” campaign.

Holbrook said a national search will be conducted for May’s permanent replacement, and a search committee will be named shortly.