Dallas-based executive search firm, Bryant Group, has successfully brought Laura Ketchum on board as the assistant vice president of advancement for the OU Health Campus at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. Sarah Hempen, the vice president of search, led this recruitment.
Jay Kahn, a senior assistant vice president at the Foundation, highlighted Ms. Ketchum’s extensive experience in campaign leadership and donor engagement, expressing confidence that she will greatly enhance the university’s initiatives to improve health outcomes in Oklahoma.
With 19 years in higher education and nonprofit fundraising, Ms. Ketchum holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. Before joining OU, she was pivotal in the Oklahoma State University Foundation, spearheading “The Code Calls,” a monumental $2 billion campaign. In her last fiscal year there, she surpassed her team’s goals by an impressive 184%.
In her new role at OU, Ms. Ketchum will focus on major and principal gift fundraising, engaging with donors to promote advancements in academic medicine and clinical research. She aims to deepen relationships with donors, transforming their contributions into meaningful impacts for the community.
“I’m honored to join the OU Foundation and to serve the OU Health Campus,” Ms. Ketchum said. “This role lets me connect generous donors with causes that change lives, advancing healthcare in Oklahoma and beyond.”
The University of Oklahoma Foundation was established in 1944 and plays a crucial role in aligning donor passions with the university’s mission. This alignment ensures that philanthropic gifts support the university’s success and growth.
Bryant Group, founded in 2002, specializes in helping universities and nonprofits recruit top leadership talent. With programs for talent development and leadership coaching, they also serve major clients like Stanford and the Mayo Clinic. Their goal is to enhance leadership in the advancement sector, having impacted over 10,000 leaders and worked with more than 270 organizations.
As the need for philanthropic support in healthcare grows, experts note that universities are increasingly reliant on strategic fundraising efforts to improve health outcomes. According to a recent survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, 61% of organizations reported increased reliance on fundraising in the past year.
The importance of professionals like Ms. Ketchum in this landscape cannot be overstated. As she steps into this role, her leadership will likely provide the momentum needed to navigate the challenges ahead in advancing health initiatives in Oklahoma.
For more information on the essential role of fundraising in higher education, you can check the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
