Hartwick College Names Kellerhouse Vice President for Institutional Advancement

May 16, 2022

Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich announced today that James Kellerhouse has been named the College’s Vice President forJames Kellerhouse Institutional Advancement. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the leadership team, he will lead the College’s individual, corporate and foundation fundraising; donor stewardship; student career development; and governmental and alumni relations efforts. Kellerhouse will also lead Hartwick’s comprehensive $55M fundraising campaign in support of FlightPath, the College’s innovative approach to supporting student success through immersion in a future-focused curriculum that is reinforced by robust mentoring and career preparation.

He assumes his new role on July 11, 2022. He succeeds Vice President Paula Lee Hobson, who will retire at the end of June.

“James Kellerhouse is a seasoned fundraising professional and is ready to assume this important role,” said President Drugovich. “He is well prepared to lead our mission-critical development effort, including the College’s Campaign for FlightPath. Hartwick students benefit greatly from the philanthropic support of individuals, foundations and governmental agencies, and James will play an important role in sustaining and strengthening the College’s relationship with both loyal and new donors. Our campus community looks forward to welcoming him.”

Since 2014, Kellerhouse has been at the Albany Med Foundation in Albany, NY, where he most recently served as vice president for philanthropy and chief development officer. He managed a 23-person team that raised more than $15 million a year. He also served as the foundation’s vice president for philanthropy and assistant vice president for development. During his tenure, the Foundation successfully completed two campaigns to enhance care and facilities at Albany Medical Center Hospital, and invested in scholarships, programs, and faculty at Albany Medical College. Additionally, he worked across the institution to strengthen community engagement programs in the areas of service learning and health equity.

Previously, Kellerhouse worked at Albany Law School, The Albany Academy, and Russell Sage Colleges (formerly The Sage Colleges), serving in several fundraising and leadership roles. At each institution, he distinguished himself by building dynamic teams and programs and developing strategies to partner with communities and stakeholders. At Albany Law School, his accomplishments included increasing the numbers of annual and leadership donors and setting records for their annual fundraising campaigns.

“I believe in the power of higher education and the significant role that liberal arts colleges play in preparing engaged citizens who make a meaningful difference in their communities,” said Kellerhouse. “Hartwick College has a remarkable 225-year history transforming lives and evolving its academic and career preparation programs to meet the aspirations of its students and challenges facing our world. I am inspired by Dr. Drugovich’s leadership and commitment by the Hartwick faculty and staff to its mission and values. I look forward to joining a vibrant campus community poised for continued growth under the leadership of its president-elect, Darren Reisberg.”

Kellerhouse has a regional and national reputation, frequently presenting at fundraising conferences and association meetings. He also has a lengthy tenure of professional development and service. He is a member of the board of trustees of Russell Sage College, and president of The Legal Project and the Charitable Gift Planners of Northeastern New York. He serves on the University at Albany Weekend MBA Board and is also a long-time mentor for its Emerging Non-profit Leaders Accelerator Program. Previously, he sat on the board of directors for the Pride Center for the Capital Region and was a member of the Palace Theatre’s Think Tank.

In 2011, he was named a “40 Under 40” recipient by the Capital District Review.

Kellerhouse earned a M.B.A. from the University at Albany through its executive program, which included an international trip to India. He also holds a B.A. and an A.A. in social sciences from Russell Sage College.

A native of the Catskills, Kellerhouse grew up in the town of Roxbury, located just 30 miles south of Oneonta. He and his partner, Dr. Thomas Mackey, a professor in arts and media at SUNY Empire State College, enjoy travel, the outdoors, and supporting the performing arts as well as other community organizations.