UMF Leadership Update

Dear Colleagues,

With a deep appreciation for her service, we announce that Kathy Schmidlkofer has shared her intention to retire from the University of Minnesota Foundation after more than ten years as CEO and President. Kathy’s last day will be determined at a later date, as she is committed to a successful search and the onboarding of her successor, for which we are most grateful.

Kathy joined UMF in March of 2014, and under her leadership, UMF experienced years of success and growth, including a 50 percent lift in philanthropy toward the University. A highlight of her tenure was the launch and successful completion of the University’s $4.4 billion Driven campaign, our first systemwide campaign since 2003.

Kathy’s leadership also advanced the foundation’s two subsidiaries—UMF Investment Advisors and UMF Real Estate Advisors. The philanthropic endowment increased from $2.1 billion to $4 billion over the last decade. Kathy was integral to advancing the planning phases of The MIX (Minnesota Innovation Exchange), acquiring 12 acres of land adjacent to the University for the private development of a research and innovation corridor, in partnership with the U of M.

Kathy is a true University citizen and proud U of M alum, always coming back to the foundation’s mission to support greatness at the University. She developed deep relationships with colleagues, including administrative and academic leaders, and ensured alignment of the foundation’s strategic plan with the University’s, with a goal to advance donor relationships to benefit the U of M.

The University and UMF’s Board of Trustees are grateful for Kathy’s long lead time and commitment to a successful search. A Search Working Group composed of UMF Trustees will engage an external firm in a national search to find the foundation’s next CEO and President.

Please join us in congratulating Kathy on this very exciting announcement. While there will be many opportunities to thank her in the coming months, we extend heartfelt appreciation on behalf of a very grateful University and University of Minnesota Foundation.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham
President, University of Minnesota

Jacqueline Williams-Roll
Chair, UMF Board of Trustees