Chelsea Gwyther Vice President of University Advancement 617-243-2152 CGwyther@lasell.edu Chelsea leads the University Advancement team and is responsible for all fundraising functions, including campaign planning and execution, annual and planned giving and stewardship, alumni relations, and events. Chelsea most recently served as assistant dean of advancement at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s College of Natural Sciences. She has also served in leadership positions at Landmark College, the Connecticut River Conservancy, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Catawba River Foundation.
Anne Bisson Gift Processor 617-243-2276 ABisson@lasell.edu Anne has been working in advancement for 10 years as a database administrator. Prior to joining the Advancement Team at Lasell, she worked at Newton Country Day School as the manager of operations for advancement. Anne enjoys golf with her husband, Don. She has a daughter and son-in-law..
Patty joined the University Advancement team in January 2023. With more than 20 years of federal, state, and private grant writing and pre- and post-award management experience, Patty will work to increase the number of grants awarded to Lasell while ensuring that grants are effectively managed. Outside of work, Patty enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being outdoors.
Alexa Donegan '16 G'20 Director of Parent and Community Relations ADonegan@lasell.edu Alexa leads Lasell’s communications and engagement with the parents and families of Lasell students. She works closely with campus partners to ensure that parents and families feel welcome and supported. In addition, she assists with fundraising, grants, and neighbor relations. Alexa previously served as Lasell’s associate director of annual giving. Before coming to Lasell, Alexa worked as communications and marketing coordinator at Cambridge College. She and her husband, Joe, enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching sports, and cooking.
Rachel Dougherty Philanthropy and Engagement Officer 339-364-1089 RDougherty@lasell.edu Rachel plays a pivotal role in cultivating relationships with both new and dedicated donors to enhance support for Lasell. She formerly worked in advancement roles at the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School and her alma mater, the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rachel is fueled by a passion to narrow the opportunity gap for all students. She’s excited to foster connections with Lasell alumni and the University community, contributing collaboratively to Lasell’s mission of delivering high-quality education. She’s your go-to for the best local foodie spots!
Jodi Hall Executive Assistant 617-243-2136 JFHall@lasell.edu Jodi is the executive assistant to Vice President of University Advancement Chelsea Gwyther, managing her calendar and arranging her travel. She also serves as administrator for University Advancement, coordinating expense reports, invoices, event management, and some donor mailings. Jodi works closely with Provost Chrystal Porter, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Maylor, and the Lasell Board of Trustees.
Terri Houston Philanthropy and Engagement Officer 508-360-3002 THouston@lasell.edu Terri builds strong relationships with all constituent groups to foster the mission of the University and encourage their philanthropic support. Before coming to Lasell, she did similar work at Wheelock College, The Cambridge School of Weston, and Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School. She has a strong commitment to supporting educational philanthropy.
David Nathan Assistant Vice President of Communications and Stewardship 617-243-2344 DNathan@lasell.edu David leads our communications and stewardship efforts, helping engage alumni and friends in the life of the University and encourage their philanthropic support of Lasell. Before coming to Lasell, he spent 13 years in advancement communications at Brandeis University. David earlier served as vice president at Regan Communications and was sports editor of the Telegram & Gazette in Worcester. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Guild for Human Services. David and his wife, Susan, have three grown children.
Varun Nathan Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Fund 617-243-2463 VNathan@lasell.edu Varun recently graduated with a double major in criminology and sociology from Assumption University. During his time there, he interned in the Advancement Office and witnessed firsthand the positive impact philanthropy had on helping students earn their college education. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in advancement. Varun is a great admirer of Nelson Mandela's quote, "Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world." Varun is thrilled to be a part of the Advancement team at Lasell and is eager to contribute to its success.
Sarah Neill Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy 617-243-2282 SNeill@lasell.edu Sarah is responsible for fostering and deepening relationships with the University’s alumni body, achieving the annual fundraising goals of the Lasell Fund, and organizing a robust schedule of events. She connects with campus partners to optimize alumni programming and identify areas of philanthropic need, and works closely with volunteer members of the Board of Overseers and Lasell University Alumni Association. Prior to joining the Lasell community, Sarah enjoyed a nearly 30-year career in student affairs. She lives in Concord with her wife, Carrie, and two sons, Emmett and August.
Carrie Weatherbee Assistant Vice President 617-243-2407 CWeatherbee@lasell.edu Carrie leads our grants program, advancement services, cultivates strong neighbor and government relations, and contributes to the management of operational activities. She joined Lasell with 20 years of diverse experience within the nonprofit sector, including working at Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
Tom Williams Director of Strategic Operations 617-243-2499 TWilliams@lasell.edu Tom leads University Advancement’s data and systems management, including gift processing, prospect identification, and vendor relationships. He also assists with developing divisional budgets and analyzes data to monitor return on investment and create roadmaps to achieve goals. Tom previously worked at Tufts University for more than 20 years, most recently as the director of outreach and engagement programs.