Judy Lekoski Named Major Gifts Officer for College

Judy Lekoski has joined UNC Charlotte as the Major Gifts Officer for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. In this role, she is leading the private fundraising for the university’s largest and most diverse college.

“We have many opportunities for telling the stories of our college, and for connecting donors with their philanthropic goals,” said Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the college. “We are excited about moving ahead with those opportunities, and we know Judy will be a tremendous leader in those efforts.”

Lekoski brings decades of fundraising and communications expertise and an enthusiasm for applying that knowledge.

“UNC Charlotte and its College of Liberal Arts & Sciences stand out for their focus on collaboration with the community to address societal issues, and for preparing future citizen-leaders,” Lekoski said. “I look forward to helping us make deeper connections and to sharing the ways in which our faculty and students are transforming the region and state.”

Prior to UNC Charlotte, Lekoski was executive director of institutional advancement at Craven Community College in eastern North Carolina. In this role, she oversaw the college foundation and the college’s marketing and communications and grants. She was responsible for all fundraising efforts including the campus and annual campaigns, major gifts, endowments, scholarships, and the Foundation’s premier event, the Community Fabric Awards.

Throughout her career, Lekoski has held positions at public and private institutions, including The Culinary Institute of America, Stewart International Airport in New York, the State University of New York at New Paltz and community colleges.

Lekoski has also been a volunteer for several nonprofits. She founded the Women’s Leadership Fund for the Orange County United Way in New York, implemented the “Raising More Money” fundraising model for the Sarah Wells Girls Scout Council, and raised over $75,000 in three weeks for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project in her community. She has also been involved in special events including the Orange Classic 10K Road Race, Star Spangled Spectacular, the Power of the Purse, and the Sullivan County Community College’s annual Women’s Conference.

Lekoski’s professional affiliations include the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Fordham University and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Empire State College. She has moved to the Charlotte area with her golden retriever, Jackson.