91PORN

Garrett Seminary is pleased to announce that Meggie Cramer will serve as the school’s new Vice President for Development, a key leadership role as the seminary continues to expand its mission and deepen its impact.

“Ms. Cramer brings significant experience in cultivating philanthropic support for mission-driven, values-based institutions,” says Garrett President Javier A. Viera. “Her proven success as a strategist and fundraiser, as well as her warm, person-centered approach to development makes her a natural fit to steward relationships with Garrett’s alumni and friends. She also brings experience beyond theological education, offering important perspective as we navigate a period of significant institutional growth and change.”

Cramer welcomes the opportunity to bring this experience to a school committed to forming leaders for the church and the world. “In an increasingly fractured and frightening world, cultivating faith-based values and strengthening our churches is deeply important,” she says. “People come to Garrett because they want to heal the world in some capacity, and Garrett shows up to nurture that calling in ways big and small.”

With a lifelong curiosity about faith and spirituality, and a minor in religious studies, Cramer is no stranger to ecclesial spaces. “Theology helped me know where I fit within a larger history,” she confides. “It also gave me a sense of purpose for what I can do in this life that, in that grander scheme, can feel so fleeting.”

That sense of purpose has shaped a distinguished career in philanthropy and advancement within health and human services. Most recently, she served as the inaugural Director of Philanthropy and Advancement for the American College of Chest Physicians, where she developed and executed the institution’s first integrated fundraising program, moving the organization from break-even to a $1.2 million surplus. Prior to that, she served as Director of Philanthropy and Foundation Director for HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, and St. Clare Hospitals in Green Bay, overseeing $3 million in annual fundraising.

Cramer’s experience, past success, and vision stood out to the search committee. Her appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by Trustee Tiffani Shaw, chair of the search committee, in collaboration with Development Committee Chair, Trustee Ted Grossnickle, faculty representative Dr. Reginald Blount, development team member Emily Lutz, and Dean Jennifer Harvey. Together, this group represented a broad cross-section of the Garrett community and brought careful discernment to the selection process.

“As Garrett strengthens its presence in Chicagoland, expands global partnerships, and invests more deeply in the formation of leaders across diverse contexts, we need leadership that can both grow our community of supporters and amplify the witness of our alumni,” says Board Chair the Reverend Dr. Andrea Wright. “Meggie brings the skill and insight needed for this moment.”

For Cramer, the opportunity to join Garrett at a time of institutional momentum is especially compelling. “I’m drawn to organizations at inflection points,” she says. “I love building ecosystems where all stakeholders feel both valued and valuable. It’s a privilege to join a community that honors its history while embracing a future full of possibility.”

That future includes continued enrollment growth, expanded support for residential and remote students, and the development of global hubs to serve an increasingly diverse student body. These initiatives and others will require strong, sustained philanthropic partnerships.

“Fundraising is ultimately relational, not transactional,” Cramer says. “I am passionate about helping people see how their engagement, whether through giving, advocacy, or service, can be truly transformational. There is a place for everyone in this work, and many ways to contribute to Garrett’s mission.”

This vision aligns closely with Garrett’s commitment to forming leaders who follow the Spirit’s call in a changing world. “We are profoundly grateful to the generations of faithful people who have sustained this community through their time, talents, and treasure,” President Viera reflects. “As we look to the future, we are excited for the ways Ms. Cramer will help us deepen those relationships and invite new partners into this shared work.”

Cramer embraces that invitation with enthusiasm. “It’s a joy to help people connect their values with meaningful action,” she says. “I hope to foster a culture where our team and our broader community feel energized by the impact we can make together. Garrett has a powerful mission, and I’m honored to help build the foundation that will carry it forward.”