Talent Citizen congratulates Rich Porter on his appointment as Director of Leadership Giving at Mount Holyoke College effective January 26, 2026. As Director, Rich will lead the College’s leadership giving team, setting strategy and direction for a growing team of individual giving officers focused on raising six- and seven-figure gifts. Rich will work in partnership with Associate Vice President for Development Heather McDonald to lead a donor-centric individual giving program and will serve as a thought partner to campus leaders in identifying and implementing fundraising strategies campus-wide.
Rich joins Mount Holyoke from the University of Michigan, where he served as Senior Director of Major Gifts for the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Regions and led regionally assigned gift officers in volunteer engagement and fundraising efforts during the University’s $5.28 billion Victors for Michigan campaign as well as the $7 billion Look to Michigan campaign that launched in November 2024. Rich’s 15 years of service to the University of Michigan have had a profound impact through funds raised over time. His track record of inclusive donor engagement includes securing numerous principal gifts to endow scholarships, professorships, facilities, and academic programs across the University, serving as a collaborative partner to campus-based colleagues and subject matter experts.
Prior, Rich served for more than five years as Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the Division of Campus Life at Emory University, which included fundraising in support of signature programs like the Department of Athletics, the Barkley Forum (Emory’s award-winning intercollegiate debate team), the Emory Career Center, Office of LGBT Life, and Volunteer Emory. Rich began his career in athletics fundraising at Georgia Tech, Auburn University, the University of Georgia, and Florida State University.
Rich earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from the University of South Carolina, as well as a Master of Science in Sport Management from Florida State University. As a volunteer leader, Rich has supported his alma maters and civic causes advancing human rights and social justice.
Known as a natural connector and facilitator, Rich is excited to join the devoted community of Mount Holyoke College to raise funds in support of President Danielle Holley’s expansive vision and the MHC Forward strategic plan.
Talent Citizen President Tracy Welsh led this search with Managing Director Rachel K. Partin.