PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Associate Vice President for Advancement Services at Boise State University Foundation

October 8, 2025

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm’s Vice President, Search, Sarah Hempen, resulting in Saskia Sawyer of Denver, CO securing the role of Associate Vice President for Advancement Services at Boise State University Foundation.

Ms. Sawyer is an experienced leader with a technical background and deep understanding of advancement services technology, data analytics and CASE standards. She has a proven ability to execute strategic recommendations, implement process improvements and manage organizational changes.

Originally from Germany, Ms. Sawyer brings more than 16 years of experience in Advancement Services. She most recently served as Assistant Vice President of Gift Services at the University of Colorado Foundation, where she developed an industry-leading philanthropic compliance program, presented nationally and co-chaired the Ethics Committee for the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP). Prior to that, she was Director of Gifts & Records at the University of Denver.

“Saskia Sawyer emerged as the clear choice to join our leadership team,” said Argia Beristain, CEO of Boise State University Foundation. “Her depth of technical expertise and connection with our team demonstrated strong alignment with our mission and values, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Boise State.”

Ms. Sawyer’s commitment to modernizing advancement IT systems and data governance, including strategic adoption of AI and emerging technologies led to increased fundraising performances, makes her a valuable asset in any organization focused on growth and impact. She has the exceptional ability to build strategic relationships across university stakeholders while leading transformational change and managing organizational resistance.

In her new position, Ms. Sawyer will guide four key teams – Advancement Systems & Information Delivery, Gift Handling & Administration, Prospect Development and Stewardship – while driving strategic use of data and technology to make a lasting impact on Boise State University’s philanthropic future.

“When I arrived in Boise, it was not just the turf color that was different – the energy, passion and drive Argia and her team embodied were simply infectious,” said Ms. Sawyer. ”I was immediately bleeding blue!”

About Boise State University Foundation

A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 for the benefit of Boise State University. The Foundation works to inspire, generate and prudently manage private support for the university.

The Foundation team works to build relationships and support for student success, including the university’s mission as a metropolitan research university of distinction. They tell the Boise State story, develop and nurture donor-centered relationships and help ensure the stewardship of gifts made to support Boise State.

About Boise State University

Known for its vibrant community and its “blue turf thinking,” Boise State is the largest university in Idaho, providing an innovative, transformative and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master’s degree offerings. Recognized by Forbes as a top midsize employer, Boise State’s metropolitan campus runs along the banks of the Boise River, just a quick walk from the heart of Idaho’s largest city — one of the most talked-about cities in the country.

Advancing Great Leadership

Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served over 300 organizations across the US and Canada.