Dean William Giannobile announced that Jody M. Johnson has been appointed as the new Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Johnson returns to Harvard after beginning her career at the Harvard College Fund and serving in Major Gifts for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In her role with HSDM, which begins on August 23, 2021, she will lead the DAR team and oversee all fundraising, as well as alumni and donor relations for HSDM. She will also work with HSDM leadership to develop effective strategies to lead the strategic growth of the fundraising program in support of the School’s mission and priorities.
“I am thrilled to join Dean Giannobile, the leadership team, faculty and staff at HSDM—an international leader in oral health education. Together we look forward to developing funding priorities that will expand opportunities for students and the School community,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s background includes experience securing major and principal gifts, leading development teams, programs and events, and recruiting volunteer leaders to bolster philanthropy for non-profit organizations. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Development for the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a Boston-based national healthcare organization and affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital, working with the Board of Directors, donors and volunteers.
In addition, Johnson has over twenty years of experience in educational fundraising, including as the Director of Advancement at Shore Country Day School in Beverly, MA, reinvigorating the annual, capital and campaign fundraising efforts. She also served in leadership and campaign roles, partnering with institutional leadership and Trustees at The Governor’s Academy, Bucknell University, Phillips Academy and Middlesex School. She has served as a volunteer for the Pan Mass Challenge, the Posse Foundation and for her alma mater, Bucknell University.
“I’m looking forward to having Jody’s expertise in leading our fundraising efforts and engaging our alumni base. Increasing HSDM’s funding opportunities and scholarship aid is vitally important to the growth of our School and to attracting the very best students regardless of financial need,” Dean Giannobile said.
