STEUBENVILLE, OHIO — Following an extensive nationwide search, Franciscan University of Steubenville today announced the appointment of Tom Pappalardo as vice president of Development.

Pappalardo comes to Franciscan University with 30 years of educational fundraising experience, with the last 20 years at a senior level in faith-related institutions. During this time, he was responsible for planning and executing two major comprehensive campaigns that raised a combined $95 million.

“The vice president of Development role is key to advancing Franciscan University’s academic and evangelistic mission, and Tom Pappalardo brings the qualifications needed to the position,” said Father Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, president of Franciscan University. “Not only does he have a proven track record in fundraising and management, just as importantly, he fully embraces the University’s mission to educate, to evangelize, and to send forth joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Raised a Roman Catholic, Pappalardo said he was a Protestant Evangelical for 40 years until “led by the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I returned to Catholicism.” His faith journey was influenced seven years ago when he joined a Catholic men’s group at St. Alexis Parish in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Pappalardo will begin his new position at Franciscan University on January 14, 2019.

Most recently, Pappalardo was the vice president for Development for the Coalition for Christian Outreach, a campus ministry organization based in Pittsburgh, where he implemented key strategies to build a comprehensive development program and increased giving to the Next Generation Fund by 10 percent.

From 2007 to 2016, he was vice president for Advancement and Marketing at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he successfully completed a $26 million campaign. From 1998 to 2007, he was vice president for Institutional Advancement at Grove City College, Pennsylvania. At the 2,500-student college, he was responsible for all aspects of development, alumni relations, and communications. At Grove City, he successfully executed a capital campaign that raised $69 million, exceeding the goal by $9 million.

Pappalardo was vice president for Development at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, from 1996 to 1998. He also worked in fundraising leadership positions at Skidmore College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and in admissions at Johnson and Wales University, and Barrington College.

According to William Gorman, chief operating officer at Franciscan University, Pappalardo will serve as the University’s lead fundraising official and will be responsible for designing and implementing the comprehensive institutional fund development programs needed to fuel the University’s 20-year vision and continued growth.

“We are excited to welcome Tom Pappalardo to Franciscan University and look forward to working with him on expanding our activities,” said Gorman. “Our nationwide search led us to Mr. Pappalardo whose affinity for our mission, personal success in fundraising, and demonstrated ability to mentor and develop a team made him our top choice.”

Gorman added, “At Franciscan, we seek candidates who understand and appreciate our academically excellent and passionately Catholic mission as well as being top-notch professionals. I am pleased to say Tom Pappalardo meets both of these important criteria.”

Sociology professor Dr. Anne Hendershott, who directs Franciscan University’s Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life, said, “I am happy to welcome Tom Pappalardo because I know he will help the Veritas Center expand our message of faithful Catholic teachings in the public square.”

Pappalardo said he looks forward to putting his skills and experience to work for Franciscan University.

“At this time in my career and life, I am delighted to commit myself to the mission of Franciscan University as it transforms culture by educating future leaders for Christ and the Church,” Pappalardo said. “I am eager to support the flourishing of the University by building an ever more successful fundraising program and leading an effective development team into the future.”

Pappalardo holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1993) and an undergraduate degree in American studies and biblical studies from Barrington College.

Tom and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and five grandchildren.