Gadsden, Ala. — Hillary Folsom is bringing years of experience in communications, strategic planning and project management to Gadsden State Community College. She was recently named the new director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, which functions as the major gift fundraising official for the College.
“We are very pleased to welcome Hillary to our team,” said Tommie Goggans III, president of the Cardinal Foundation Board of Directors. “With her extensive experience and dedication to fostering strong relationships within our community, I am confident that she will lead our efforts in advancing the Foundation’s mission.”
Folsom is working with the Cardinal Foundation, Gadsden State Alumni Association and employees to secure maximum commitments for the College from all external profit and nonprofit partners.
“We will work hard with Hillary to strengthen the bonds within our alumni network,” said Heather New, chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Together, I know we will create impactful opportunities that will empower our alumni community and enrich our shared experiences.”
Folsom has experience in both non-profit healthcare and community services. She served as the financial director of Interfaith Ministries, a regional non-profit focused on the homeless and unsuitably housed, before transitioning to marketing liaison for the organization. She has also worked with government contracting and human resource organizations.
“My varied roles through the years have given me a unique perspective,” she said. “From assisting companies in the public and private sector in streamlining their project management to developing communication strategies, I appreciate the challenges and celebrate the successes.”
She said the common thread in all her career endeavors has been relationships.
“I really enjoy meeting new people and building relationships,” she said. “I also love a challenge.”
Folsom already has a list of goals she intends to meet in her first year, including ramping up the Gadsden State Alumni Association.
“It is a goal to get our existing membership more active while increasing membership as a whole,” she said. “It’s important that we engage recent graduates while re-engaging those who may have graduated years ago. It’s never too late or too early to get involved in your alumni association.”
Folsom is already hard at work with a committee responsible for the second annual Cardinal Gala, which will be held Oct. 10 at the Venue at Coosa Landing. The inaugural event raised over $68,000 to provide student opportunities.
“This event brings together alumni, supporters, students, employees and friends in a spirit of unity and shared purpose,” she said. “We are all committed to the excellence and the enduring legacy of Gadsden State. The Cardinal Gala will be a memorable evening for all of us.”
Folsom is a Saks native who now lives in Alexandria with her husband, Joe, and their sons, Caleb, 17, and James Collier, 14. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Jacksonville State University in 2001 and a Master of Public Administration from JSU in 2006.
Visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/alumni and www.gadsdenstate.edu/cardinalfoundation to find out how to become involved with the Gadsden State Alumni Association and the Cardinal Foundation.
