Allison Gomes named vice president for Advancement

Allison Gomes, a proven advancement leader with nearly two decades of experience, has been named vice president for College Advancement at Connecticut College. She will begin her new role on Sept. 15.

“Connecticut College’s commitment to academic excellence, fostering the whole student and creating global citizens resonates deeply with me,” Gomes said after an announcement was made to the Conn community. “What excites me most is the opportunity to help strengthen the bonds between the College and its community—alumni, families and friends—so that together we can support the dreams of current and future students." 

Gomes joins Connecticut College from Bennington College, where she served as vice president for institutional advancement. She led a team of 15 during the leadership phase of a $100 million comprehensive campaign, working closely with college leadership to secure tens of millions in lead gifts. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach also helped rebuild the advancement team and launch innovative initiatives such as a scholarship matching challenge to expand the major gift pipeline. 

Previously, Gomes held senior advancement roles at Baystate Health Foundation, Smith College and The Williston Northampton School. Across these institutions, she consistently exceeded fundraising goals, developed high-performing teams, and forged deep partnerships with boards, alumni, donors and community stakeholders. Her experience spans strategic planning, campaign design and implementation, major and planned gifts, volunteer engagement and communications.

Gomes holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has presented her work at national conferences of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has been published in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing.

“Allison brings nearly two decades of advancement leadership experience, a proven record of securing transformational gifts, and a passion for building relationships that strengthen and sustain the institutions she serves,” President Andrea E. Chapdelaine wrote in an announcement to the College community.

“I am confident that Allison’s leadership will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our advancement efforts and build an even brighter future for Conn.”