NMC selects Dino Hernandez as first Chief Advancement Officer
Dino Hernandez (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is excited to announce the selection of Dino Hernandez as its first Chief Advancement Officer, following a six-month national search.
Hernandez brings three decades of strategic leadership in philanthropic resource management at multiple institutions of higher education to NMC. Currently at the University of The Bahamas, where he increased giving 148 percent, he will return to his native Michigan when he starts Aug. 1. He grew up in southeast Michigan and began his fundraising career there, working at Oakland University, the University of Michigan-Flint and Lawrence Technological University.
As CAO, Hernandez will lead all fundraising endeavors for the NMC Foundation and report directly to President Nick Nissley. Additionally, he will oversee executive administrative functions for public relations, marketing and communications (PRMC) in collaboration with the AVP of PRMC. Also within his oversight are the Dennos Museum Center, International Affairs Forum, and WNMC radio. As a key member of President’s Council, he will work closely with the entire executive team.
Nissley said the appointment of Hernandez comes at a crucial juncture for NMC. A 10-year campus master plan is nearly complete and will be presented to the Board of Trustees later this month. The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, NMC’s joint venture with the Discovery Center and Pier in collaboration with other partners, is gaining momentum. A major building campaign supporting NMC Aviation will break ground this fall.
“The CAO position marks a strategic shift within our college community, redefining the former leadership roles of the NMC Foundation to enable NMC to take a bigger step forward in our pursuit of excellence, innovation and stewardship. With the selection of Dino Hernandez, I’m even more confident those goals are within reach,” Nissley said.
Prior to joining the University of the Bahamas, Hernandez spent 13 years at Lawrence Tech in Southfield, where he directed and led two comprehensive campaigns. One had a goal of $20 million that closed at $46.6 million, while the second goal of $75-$100 million closed at over $110 million. His teams have been honored with seven CASE Circle of Excellence Awards for fundraising improvement and innovation. with a goal of $75-$100 million. Dino and his wife, Amy, are excited to join other family members already living in Traverse City.
Release date: June 10, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)