Business, marketing and development expert joins Western in new role

On Aug. 7, Western Washington University welcomed Tim Szymanowski as its associate vice president for development and leadership giving. In this newly-created role, Tim will oversee Western’s development officers as well as being a key member of WWU’s University Advancement leadership team. It marks, as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the WWU Foundation Stephanie Bowers notes, a significant step forward in the University’s Western Stands For Washington campaign as well as in Western’s future.

“Tim’s substantial and highly-relevant expertise adds a transformative ingredient to our already-terrific team,” she says. “We believe in engaging leaders for the future, so that Western can continue to stand for Washington in every way possible.”

“I am very pleased to join the development team at Western Washington University,” says Tim. “WWU’s excellent academic reputation and history of strong institutional leadership makes this professionally satisfying. And, on a more personal note, my family and I are delighted to settle into Bellingham and become positive contributors to such a vibrant community.”

Tim’s professional career has spanned 30 years and 25 countries, encompassing multiple arenas from business, sales and marketing to higher education fundraising. In 2007, after decades in the private sector, Tim joined the development team at Eastern Washington University and most recently served as executive director for development at the University of Hawaii Foundation. His marketing, sales and leadership experiences have proved highly transferable into securing private donor partnerships as well as leading campaign initiatives, while simultaneously coaching and supporting fundraisers in relationship management.

Tim and his wife, Linda, live with their adopted daughter, MingMei, and they also have three adult sons.  Tim enjoys most outdoor activities, but especially running and surfing. Additional interests include reading, writing, and guitar playing.