Shepard, Ahrens Receive Promotions at The University of Findlay

Charlie Shepard and Todd Ahrens assume new leadership roles in the Division of University Advancement at The University of Findlay. Shepard has assumed the role of associate vice president for development, and Ahrens has assumed the role of director of leadership gifts.

Shepard previously was the director of development and campaign director at the University. In that role, he managed the institution’s annual giving, leadership giving and planned giving programs, and he directed the Give Voice To Your Values comprehensive campaign.

In his new role, Shepard will continue to lead the Give Voice to Your Values comprehensive campaign, the University’s $40 million effort to generate support for key projects that impact student learning, while also providing leadership and day-to-day management for the University’s annual giving, leadership giving and planned giving programs. Shepard also will focus on a broader portfolio of administrative responsibilities related to the management of the division.

John W. Mosser, vice president for University Advancement, said, “Charlie Shepard is the type of advancement leader every university seeks – a skilled professional, ethical, dedicated to the mission of the organization, and possessing a tireless passion for the job at hand.”

Shepard joined The University of Findlay in 2001 and has served as coordinator of donor research, development officer and co-director of alumni and parent relations. He is nearing the completion of his 11th year in higher-education fundraising, including nine years as a full-time development officer.

Prior to joining The University of Findlay, Shepard worked for the Salvation Army in Lexington, Ky., and Warren, Pa. Shepard earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Asbury College and a master’s degree from The University of Findlay. He has served in volunteer positions with the Salvation Army and Gateway Church. Shepard lives in Findlay with his wife, Joy, and their son.
Ahrens, an experienced professional with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and non-profit management experience in the arts and education, joined the development staff at The University of Findlay in 2010. His new role will include leading a growing team of major gift fundraisers who are responsible for building relationships with alumni, parents and friends of the University. Ahrens and his team work to creatively engage constituents to become more fully involved in the life of the University as volunteers and donors.

“Todd Ahrens has demonstrated the type of leadership skills that exemplify best practices in major gift fundraising,” said Mosser. “Todd has the gift to be able to connect external constituents of the University with the areas of the institution they care about most, while helping them to accomplish their philanthropic goals for the University.”

In his previous role at UF as an associate development officer, Ahrens was responsible for building strong University relationships with 100-150 donors and actively soliciting financial support for key initiatives that strategically move the University forward, including the priorities of the current Give Voice to Your Values comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Ahrens’ past experiences include positions with the University of Michigan, St. John’s Jesuit High School, the Toledo Museum of Art and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Ahrens has served on a number of non-profit boards and enjoys volunteering for the Black Swamp Arts Festival. He also is an avid sports fan and a long-distance runner. Ahrens resides in Bowling Green with his wife, Amy.