Bryant Group Recruits President and CEO for Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement
February 22, 2024 – Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Telly McGaha as president and CEO at Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE). In May 2023, Elizabeth King announced her plans to retire as the WSUFAE president and CEO after 33 years of leading these efforts.
The search committee was led by Lynn Nichols, chair of the WSUFAE board of directors, and Jay Smith, chair-elect, with guidance from the Bryant Group as well as additional advisory members. “Over the course of this search, we met with many candidates from across the country to find the best fit for this position, and we truly believe that Telly is the right person,” said Ms. Nichols. “Not only does he have an extensive history of fundraising experience, he also has the gift of collaborative leadership, which is exactly how the university and WSUFAE have created their longstanding success.”
A mission-focused professional known for innovation, dedicated service and leadership, Mr. MGaha brings a wealth of experience in achieving excellence through collaborative leadership. He most recently served as the interim president of the Georgia State University Foundation. Before that, he was the associate vice president for university advancement at Georgia State University. As the AVP, he spearheaded the launch of a $750 million capital campaign and raised $240 million over three years. As the interim president, he oversaw tasks like a $33 million real estate transaction and a $5 million foundation merger
In his new position, Mr. McGaha will work with the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement and is an invited member of the university’s president’s strategy team and the president’s executive team.
“I am honored to be selected as the next president and CEO of the Wichita State University Foundation & Alumni Engagement,” said Mr. McGaha. “The enthusiastic welcome I’ve received from the foundation, university and the Wichita community has been energizing. I look forward to jumping into the work and collaborating with the board, foundation staff, president Muma, provost Lefever, other university leaders and alumni and donors to continue building upon the strong foundation that Elizabeth King has laid and to further elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University.”
Related: Bryant Group Recruits CEO for Montana State University Alumni Foundation
Established in 1886, Wichita State University offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in six colleges. Established in 1913, the WSU Alumni Association coalesced around a dedicated group of alumni led by Harry Shuler for the purpose of creating a Shocker community of university supporters. In tandem, the WSU Foundation, which was founded in 1965, has championed private support to advance the mission and vision of the university.
Experienced Search Consultants
Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
Bryant Group Tapped by Hope College to Find VP of Philanthropy and Engagement
Bryant Group was recently retained by Hope College to lead in its search for vice president of philanthropy and engagement. Chris Bingley, president of Bryant Group, is leading the assignment. “The ideal leader for this position is energized by big challenges,” said Matthew A. Scogin, president of Hope College. “We are looking for a teammate who wants to help this community change the world and make history by revolutionizing the business model of higher education.” Reporting to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet and the senior leadership team, this executive provides leadership and direction for a staff of 40 members in the areas of philanthropy, alumni and family engagement, and philanthropy services.
Bryant Group is led by CEO Sally Bryant. She joined the search firm in 2007 and brings 30 years of experience in advancement management, consulting and recruiting, as well as achievements from the corporate sales arena and success in other entrepreneurial activities.
Christopher P. Bryant, co-founder and advisor of Bryant Group, is a leader in the recruitment of advancement, development, and fundraising professionals. In 1988, he helped start what the firm describes as the country’s first executive search firm to specialize exclusively in philanthropy recruitment. Bryant Group is the successor firm, established in 2002. Now under the leadership of Ms. Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership through executive search, leadership coaching and interim leadership services. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.
Related: Bryant Group Recruits CEO for Kansas Health Foundation
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
