Brodie named ESU’s alumni relations director

Peter L. Brodie, an experienced alumni relations professional from Troy, N.H., will lead the Emporia State University Alumni Association as the new Alumni Relations Director.

Brodie was selected from among four strong candidates who interviewed on campus Sept. 22-25. He will be on campus during Homecoming Week, Oct. 22-26, with an official starting date of Nov. 24.  

“Peter is exactly what we were looking for, with his depth of experience and his many years working in higher education,” said Rod Turner, chair of the search committee and president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “He has shown his expertise working with the development of alumni chapters and creating revenue streams. His high level of experience was obvious to us, and we’re very pleased to have him on board.”

Brodie has been the alumni relations director at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, N.H., since 2004. Previously, he was the alumni relations director at Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., from 2001 to 2004. He holds a bachelor of science degree in health systems management from Daemen College, and is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree from Franklin Pierce University.

“I was attracted to Emporia State because of the energy present on the website and the highly functioning and dedicated alumni program already in place,” Brodie said. “The leadership team is dedicated and determined to continue advancing the mission of Emporia State.”

“Once arriving on campus and exploring the Emporia community, I was excited by the amazing support the university has within the community, how passionate and dedicated the staff are, and how dedicated President Lane and Judy Heasley [executive director of University Advancement] are toward maintaining high quality educational opportunities for current and future students,” Brodie said.

Heasley noted that during his interview, Brodie demonstrated strong memory skills and a focus on the individuals he met, and displayed knowledge of how to utilize existing resources and move the association forward.

“He has good ideas regarding work with young alumni, fundraising, marketing and special events,” Heasley said. “His detail orientation and strategic thinking will be a strong asset for University Advancement – and as a change agent he brings knowledge of the best practices in the alumni relations industry, strong goal-setting experiences, and he knows the importance of building relationships now and for the future.”

At Franklin Pierce University, Brodie developed a career mentoring program for alumni and a volunteer recruitment campaign, strengthened the alumni chapter outreach program, maintained volunteer support in the Annual Fund at 100 percent, and more. At Daemen College, Brodie established the Final Year Transition program, working with campus departments to smooth the student-to-alumni transition; developed an affinity program to provide benefits to alumni, engaged in fundraising efforts with individuals across campus, and much more.

He has been highly active in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the professional organization for advancement professionals, and in local volunteering with organizations like the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. From 1998 to 2001, he was a critical care technician with Mohawk Ambulance Service in Schenectady, N.Y., and from 1993 to 1999, he was a customer service representative for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in Albany, N.Y. 

As he embarks on a new venture at ESU, Brodie is excited to begin engaging ESU alumni.

“I encourage each ESU alum to look into their heart, explore their soul and recollect the opportunities provided through an individual and communal relationship with ESU,” he said. “Remember the satisfaction that your education has brought you and then think about how each alum can help ensure that current and future ESU students realize and exceed their own potential by volunteering with the Association and supporting the Foundation.  I look forward to meeting as many ESU alumni as possible during Homecoming weekend, and then when I arrive on campus later this year.”

Last Updated October 6, 2008>