Fairfield University honors Wally Halas for a decade of leadership in Advancement and appoints Geri Derbyshire as new vice president to lead next chapter of growth.
Fairfield University has announced a leadership transition in its Advancement division, as current Vice President Wally Halas steps into a new role as executive director, principal gifts, and Geri Derbyshire MPA’24 is named the new vice president for University Advancement, effective January 1, 2025.
The University is grateful to Wally Halas for his exceptional leadership and dedication during his ten-year tenure as vice president for University Advancement. Halas’ contributions have been instrumental in the University's continued growth and success, particularly in the area of philanthropy. His strategic vision and efforts were pivotal in the successful launch and completion of the transformative Fairfield Rising campaign, raising nearly $218 million — far surpassing its original goal of $160 million.
Through Halas’ stewardship, Fairfield has seen unprecedented growth in donor support, with nearly 20,000 individuals contributing to the campaign, including more than 10,000 first-time donors. This generosity has funded key campus initiatives that will benefit generations of students to come, including the expansion of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Rafferty Stadium, the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, and Tully Dining Commons.
Halas’ visionary leadership helped secure critical financial resources for the University’s academic programs, student scholarships, and innovative campus facilities, all of which have played a key role in Fairfield University’s rise as a national leader in higher education.
As he transitions to his new role, Halas will continue to be an integral part of the University Advancement team, focusing on cultivating principal gifts and strengthening relationships with the University’s most dedicated supporters.
"It has been an incredible honor to serve as vice president for University Advancement at Fairfield University over the past decade," said Halas. "Together with a remarkable team and the unwavering support of our alumni community, parents, and friends, we’ve achieved extraordinary milestones that have transformed our campus and enriched the lives of our students. I remain deeply committed to Fairfield’s Jesuit mission, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the University’s success in my new role, helping secure the philanthropic support that will fuel our future growth.”
“Wally’s deep commitment to Fairfield’s mission and community has touched every corner of our University,” said President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, in a message to the University community. “His work has ensured that Fairfield continues to grow while staying true to our Jesuit values of service, leadership, and excellence. As Wally steps into his new role as executive director of principal gifts, we are thrilled that he will remain an integral part of the University’s future, building relationships that will continue to fuel our momentum.”
Geri Derbyshire has served the University for 15 years, most recently as senior associate vice president for Advancement. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in leadership, fundraising, and campaign management across a variety of sectors to her new role of vice president for University Advancement.
She has played a pivotal role in Fairfield’s fundraising success, particularly in leading the University’s principal and major gifts, planned giving, and annual giving programs. Derbyshire was integral to the success of Fairfield Rising, driving the completion of the campaign’s fundraising goals and overseeing major initiatives including the $50 million fundraising effort for the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Her work at the University has led to transformative investments in both campus infrastructure and student support.
Derbyshire’s extensive experience includes roles at renowned national and international organizations such as Save the Children, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and the American Red Cross. Her strategic vision, ability to build relationships, and her commitment to advancing the missions of the institutions she serves, have been key factors in her sustained success.
“Geri has been a stalwart of our advancement team for 15 years, demonstrating unparalleled dedication, vision, and expertise,” said Dr. Nemec. “I am confident that she is the ideal leader to guide us into this next chapter. Her passion for Fairfield and her ability to bring people together will ensure that our alumni, families, and friends remain vital partners in shaping the future of our University.”
Under Derbyshire’s direction, the University Advancement team will continue to focus on strengthening Fairfield’s relationships with its constituents. With a continued emphasis on philanthropy, strategic growth, and engagement, Derbyshire will oversee efforts to ensure that the University remains a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and community impact.
“The generosity of Fairfield’s alumni, parents, and friends has made an extraordinary impact on the University’s growth and success,” said Derbyshire. “I am honored to lead Fairfield in this next phase, and continue working with our community to create a lasting legacy for the generations to come.”
Derbyshire earned a master of public administration (MPA) degree at Fairfield University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Fresno.
