Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
June 29, 2026 – Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer is honored to have partnered with PSU on this search and look forward to seeing the impact of Bustinza’s leadership as he strengthens alumni connections and advances the Association’s mission for Penn Staters around the world,” the search firm said.
“Reggie brings a deep understanding of higher education advancement, alumni programming, and has a proven commitment to building meaningful relationships,” said Jay E. Davenport, vice president for development and alumni relations. “He is the right leader to build on the Penn State Alumni Association’s success and shape an ambitious, inclusive future for our 800,000+ alumni.”
“Penn State’s alumni community is unmatched in its loyalty, passion and global reach, and the Alumni Association plays a vital role in strengthening lifelong connections to the University,” said Susan Robinson, president of the Penn State Alumni Association. “We are eager to partner with Reggie to expand opportunities for alumni to engage, give back and celebrate what it means to be a Penn Stater.”
Mr. Bustinza brings nearly 20 years of alumni relations experience to his new role, with a portfolio that includes leadership across public and private institutions, and management of alumni engagement, volunteer board and donor relations, data services and systems, prospect research, IT, and communications. He previously served as executive director of annual giving and alumni relations with the Northern Illinois University Foundation, where he oversees alumni engagement, travel and events, political advocacy, and annual giving.
Mr. Bustinza began his alumni relations career at his alma mater — Bradley University in Peoria, IL — working with affinity groups and chapters before developing expertise in data management and engagement metrics. He later served as director of alumni relations at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL.
In his new role, Mr. Bustinza will lead one of the world’s largest alumni networks, with more than 800,000 Penn Staters worldwide, and guide the strategic direction and operations of the Alumni Association. The CEO reports to the University’s vice president for development and alumni relations and partners closely with the Alumni Association’s volunteer president and executive board.
A Dream Come True
“The opportunity to join the Penn State team is a dream come true,” Mr. Bustinza said. “From the University’s worldwide reach to the incredible achievements of the alumni, there are so many opportunities to help Penn Staters build meaningful connections to each other, to the institution, and to the mission of the University.”
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Lindauer serves higher and secondary education, hospitals, academic research centers, think tanks, research facilities, and foundations, as well as advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven non-profits. The firm has led searches for The Aspen Institute, Auburn University, Franklin & Marshall College, Brown University, Bryn Mawr College, Princeton University, MIT Sloan, Dickinson College, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Columbia University, University of Illinois, Room to Read and Educate Girls, among others.
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. Working in partnership with the CEO and senior management team, the CDO will design, launch, and lead a comprehensive philanthropic strategy capable of securing transformational support — including six, seven- and eight-figure gifts — while upholding C-SPAN’s core values of nonpartisanship, independence, and public trust.
Deb Taft leads Lindauer with over 25 years of executive and senior-level experience across the non-profit sector, from education to healthcare/academic medicine to the youth service and voluntary sectors. Her expertise includes governance, strategic planning, fundraising, program and staff management, strategic marketing, analytics, and constituent engagement, as well as talent recruitment, retention, and development.
Ms. Montgomery co-leads Lindauer’s higher education and K-12 practice areas and leads executive searches and talent management for client partners across a broad spectrum of education, healthcare, arts, social justice, and policy arenas. Prior to joining Lindauer in 2014, she held senior leadership positions across the non-profit sector. Ms. Montgomery currently serves on the national board of the African American Development Officer’s Network, the Boston Chapter Board of Jack and Jill, and is a member of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, and The Giving Institute.
Ms. Harvey brings to Lindauer more than 10 years of experience in non-profit organizations. Her leadership and organizational experience in higher education, athletics, and healthcare includes prospect research, donor relations, alumni engagement, fundraising, strategic planning, and internal and external relations. Prior to joining Lindauer, Ms. Harvey was associate director of athletics, internal operations and chief of staff for Washington State University Athletics.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor — Hunt Scanlon Media
