Senior Director of Development Joins UNM Anderson School
September 8, 2023 - Megan Borders
Melanie Hitchcock has joined the University of New Mexico Foundation development team to lead fundraising efforts for the Anderson School of Management. Her career spans two decades in nonprofit philanthropic work in New Mexico.
Hitchcock is originally from Virginia but moved to New Mexico 23 years ago to attend the Anderson School's MBA program, which she earned in 2001. For the next two years, she worked at the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association as their sole fundraiser. She then moved to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, where she spent the next 19 years.
"I'm excited to return to Anderson in a capacity that allows me to work with donors and fellow alumni to help continue to change the lives of students in ways that will support them in achieving success in their careers," she said. "I believe that education is the cornerstone that New Mexico must lean into to meet the state's challenges that our young people will need to face head-on."
"It's great to have Melanie back in her Anderson home. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to philanthropy make her a valuable addition to our team," said Julie Coonrod, Anderson interim dean. "We look forward to working with Melanie to advance the Anderson's mission and our fundraising efforts."
During her time at the Presbyterian Foundation, Hitchcock directed the annual giving team by nurturing relationships within and outside the organization to promote the importance of philanthropy. She was also their resident expert in special events.
"Melanie is a perfect fit to lead the fundraising efforts at Anderson. Her extensive professional background, coupled with her being an Anderson graduate, uniquely qualify her for this role," said Larry Ryan, vice president for University development at the UNM Foundation.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Hitchcock is a devoted traveler and baseball enthusiast, and she cherishes spending quality time with her husband and two teenage sons.
The development office at the Anderson School is dedicated to helping students receive a quality business education by building key relationships with students, alumni, friends and corporate and foundation partners. To learn more about how to invest in Anderson and The University of New Mexico, email Hitchcock.