University of Iowa Center for Advancement Names Sheila Baldwin President and CEO
PHOTO: University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Sheila Baldwin (98BBA)Sheila Baldwin has been named president and CEO of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. Baldwin, a 1998 graduate of the University of Iowa, currently serves as the organization’s senior vice president for development and will assume the new role May 4, 2026, following a national search.
She succeeds Lynette Marshall, who announced in July 2025 her plan to retire after leading the organization for 20 years.
“Sheila distinguished herself as a leader with a deep understanding of our mission, a proven ability to deliver results, and the vision to guide us forward during a pivotal moment for the university,” says Chris DeWolf, chair of the UI Center for Advancement Board of Directors and chair of the search committee.
“From the time she was a student, she understood the power of philanthropy to transform lives and advance discovery. Since then, she’s made a remarkable impact through her work with our donors.” —University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson
As a student, Baldwin was a founding member of the University of Iowa Dance Marathon, which after three decades is a thriving student organization. With more than 25 years of service to the University of Iowa, she brings a deep understanding of the Hawkeye community and decades-long dedication to elevating the student, patient, and academic experience.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Sheila Baldwin
Sheila Baldwin (right) served as the executive director of UI Dance Marathon in her senior year at the University of Iowa.
“Sheila’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to the University of Iowa and the people we serve,” says University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson. “From the time she was a student, she understood the power of philanthropy to transform lives and advance discovery. Since then, she’s made a remarkable impact through her work with our donors, and I am confident she will be an outstanding partner as we continue to move the university forward.”
In her tenure at Iowa, Baldwin has guided fundraising strategy across the institution, including for UI Health Care, Intercollegiate Athletics, all 12 colleges, and numerous arts and campuswide programs—ensuring donor partnerships align with the university’s most significant priorities.
Baldwin was the chief fundraiser for University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, which opened in 2017. She has a proven track record of strengthening donor engagement, fostering collaboration, and delivering outcomes essential to the university’s success.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Sheila Baldwin
As a first-year student at the University of Iowa, Sheila Baldwin (bottom row, third from left) was a founding member of UI Dance Marathon.
“Sheila brings an extraordinary combination of experience, credibility, and collaborative leadership,” says Cathy Zaharis, past chair of the UI Center for Advancement Board and a member of the search committee. “Her ability to connect people to purpose, and to translate that into meaningful philanthropic support, will be instrumental as we continue to advance Iowa’s mission.”
Baldwin will become the fourth leader of the 72-year-old organization, which works to advance the University of Iowa through engagement and philanthropy. The UI Center for Advancement and the university are in the final two years of the Together, Hawkeyes campaign, a comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign that seeks to strengthen the University of Iowa for future generations.
“I am deeply grateful to the colleagues, donors, and campus partners who make this work so meaningful,” says Baldwin. “The University of Iowa Center for Advancement plays a vital role in connecting generosity to impact, and I’m excited to build on our strong foundation as we continue to inspire philanthropy and engagement to support Iowa’s future.”
Media inquiries: Rebekah Tilley, rebekah.tilley@foriowa.org
