Talent Citizen congratulates Aimee Argel on her appointment as Associate Vice President, Major and Planned Giving at Wayne State University, effective February 3, 2025. As AVP, Aimee will report to Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs David Ripple and lead all planned giving efforts and individual major giving for 12 of the university’s 13 schools and colleges.
As an alumna of Wayne State University, Aimee is excited to contribute to the leadership of her alma mater’s Development and Alumni Affairs division. Aimee joins WSU from Michigan State University, where since 2019 she served as Senior Director, Individual Giving and led a team of fundraisers tasked with increasing engagement and raising major and principal gifts from special constituency audiences, including women, parents and families, and with the university’s colleges and units. Aimee also oversaw talent management programs for Michigan State University Advancement, fostering career growth and developing a pipeline of diverse talent for the advancement profession.
Prior to joining Michigan State University, Aimee was Director of Development at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, where she led a team, raised major and planned gifts, and cultivated a network of professional advisors. Previously, Aimee had a decade-long career in healthcare as a major gift fundraiser at University of Michigan Health System and Henry Ford Health System. Aimee’s professional fundraising career began with roles at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and the Michigan Opera Theatre.
Aimee earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Healthcare Management from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration as well as a graduate certificate in Economic Development from Wayne State University.
Aimee’s long dedication to the Detroit community includes more than 15 years of volunteer service with the Junior League of Detroit, including the role as League President; membership in Inforum, where Aimee cofounded the Detroit Downtown Affinity Networking Group; and lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts. An engaged alumna of her alma maters, Aimee has served on the alumni board of the Michigan State University College of Social Science as well as the Wayne State University alumni board. In addition, Aimee is a part-time member of the faculty at Oakland University, where she teaches courses on fundraising, development, and philanthropy for the Master in Public Administration Program and the Nonprofit Management Certificate. For nine years, Aimee taught courses for the Nonprofit Sector Studies Program at Wayne State University. Aimee is a consultant at the Social Innovation Institute and Daudlin Search, where she helps nonprofits implement and evaluate their programs and projects.
Talent Citizen President Tracy Welsh led this search with Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin and Associate José Cisneros.