Mo Cotton Kelly was named senior vice president for stakeholder engagement and chief operating officer (SVP-COO) at the UConn Foundation with responsibility for driving operational and capital campaign strategy, overseeing key administrative functions, and guiding a culture of inclusivity. Cotton Kelly manages the departments of alumni relations, marketing and communications, annual giving, stewardship, and board engagement.

“It is a privilege to take on this new position, which was created with the UConn Foundation’s future in mind,” says Cotton Kelly. “Having direct oversight of engagement, annual giving, stewardship, and marketing and communications affords me a 30,000-foot view for developing strategy foundation-wide, so that we can elevate our critical work in support of Connecticut’s flagship university.”

“I have worked alongside Mo for several years and know her to be an exceptional leader, strategic thinker, and valued colleague,” says Jake Lemon, president and CEO of the UConn Foundation. “I look forward to working in close partnership with Mo in her new role.”

Cotton Kelly, who joined the UConn Foundation in 2014, has a national reputation for strong leadership built over two decades in higher education advancement. Previously, she was executive director of Bowling Green State University’s Alumni Association. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BGSU. Currently, she is the District I Chair for CASE and an active member in the Council for Alumni Association Executives (CAAE).