The University Partnership Program (UPP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Gardner as the next executive director of University Business Partnerships & Services (UBPS). After completing a thorough review of internal and external candidates for the position, the committee selected Amy based on her robust understanding of UPP and her experience ensuring current campus relationships align with the University’s values and mission of teaching, research, and public service.
Amy has worked with UPP since July 2015, initially serving as director of project affairs before being appointed interim executive director in September 2017. "Amy will continue to be a key advocate in fostering strategic, university-wide relationships for the University Partnership Program,” said Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Office Rosemarie Rae. "Her previous experience with the program, combined with her collaborative leadership skills, will continue to help secure innovative benefits and significant revenue opportunities that support our campus community."
Since its inception two years ago, UPP has generated over $68 million in revenue through campus partnerships and is currently working to secure new “industries of opportunity.” UPP’s current campus partnerships include Bank of the West, Peet’s Coffee, and Under Armour.
As the UBPS Executive Director, Amy will be tasked with leading the further development and management of UPP by identifying and building, university-wide relationships with business partners. She will work with other campus leaders to establish campus strategic plans and objectives for non-academic revenue generation, while advising them on controversial situations and customer negotiations. "Collaborating with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni is critical to the success of our campus-wide partnerships and the UPP program" said Gardner. "I look forward to utilizing my campus relationships to cultivate benefits and services that best support our university while leading UPP into our next phase of partnerships."
In addition, Amy will manage current high-value campus relationships including sponsors, investors, and corporate partners, and will continue to oversee the request for proposal (RFP) process, contract development, and department budget and finances. University Business Partnerships & Services will report directly to Vice Chancellor of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Rosemarie Rae.