President and CEO

cindy.williams@supportum.org | 406-243-2593

As president and CEO of the UM Foundation, Cindy leads the overall strategic direction and organization of fundraising and fiscal management relating to philanthropic support of the University of Montana. She serves as an ex-officio member of the UM Foundation’s board of trustees and an ex-officio, non-voting member of the UM cabinet. She is responsible to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees for operational integrity, asset management, and staff and organizational performance in support of the University’s strategic goals.

Prior to June 2016, Cindy served as vice president for development, leading development strategy for the University’s schools, colleges and athletics, focusing fundraising efforts on initiatives identified by the University to advance its mission. Under her leadership, private support of the University’s schools, colleges and athletics grew nearly 250 percent over the past few years, from an average of $12.5 million per year in FY2011-13 to $30.5 million per year in FY2014-16.

Cindy joined the Foundation in 2006 as director of development, School of Business Administration. She holds a bachelor degree in business administration with an emphasis in management from Walla Walla University. She is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Association of Governing Boards (AGB). She started her advancement career at Walla Walla University and later served as Director of the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation in Southern California.