Leadership
Lynette Marshall is president and chief executive officer of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, an organization that recently combined two longstanding institutions—the UI Foundation and the UI Alumni Association. Lynette leads the organization’s mission to advance the University of Iowa through engagement and philanthropy. During her tenure, the UI Foundation experienced record performance and growth and became a national leader in creating a campus culture of philanthropy.
Lynette provides leadership to several national groups, including the Association of Governing Boards, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the CASE 50 Steering Committee. She also currently serves as dean of the Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute. In 2017, she received the CASE Commonfund Award, which recognizes individuals who have made valuable contributions to the field through best practices, distinguished service, and volunteer leadership. In 2020, CASE honored her with the Frank L. Ashmore Award for Service to CASE and the Advancement Profession.
Lynette came to Iowa in 2006 after 25 years in fundraising at her alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, including two years as associate chancellor for development. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science and a master’s in educational policy studies. Lynette grew up on a fifth-generation family farm near Peoria, Illinois. She and her husband, Jeffery Ford, have two adult children, Michael and Katharine.
As executive vice president and chief operating officer, Tiffani oversees the organization’s operations—Finance, Information Technology, Investments, Facilities Management, Legal, Talent Management, Data Analytics, and Prospect Development. She joined the organization in 1997 as controller and chief financial officer. She has also served as chair of the National Advisory Board for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Prior to coming to the UI, Tiffani was a public accountant with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Public Accountant.
As vice president for Health Sciences Development, Sheila oversees fundraising for the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and the Colleges of Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health, as well as University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. Raising funds for the UI since 1999, Baldwin has served in several positions in medical development—most recently as development leader for UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business and, as a student, she was a founding member of UI Dance Marathon.
As vice president for Main Campus Development, Kent oversees fundraising for the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business, and Graduate College, as well as the Colleges of Law, Engineering, Education, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also supervises fundraising for various university programs, including UI libraries, the UI Stanley Museum of Art, Hancher Auditorium, Division of Student Life, International Programs, and Regional Major Gifts. Before joining the organization in 2015, Kent served in advancement executive roles at Minnesota State University, Mankato; California State University, Fresno; and Utah State University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from Michigan State University and a master’s in biblical studies from Cincinnati Christian University.
As vice president of Alumni and Donor Engagement, Erin oversees the Office of Alumni Engagement, Stewardship and Donor Events, Communications and Marketing. Before she joined the organization in 2008, Erin worked in the President’s Office at Georgia State University as well as Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies/speech communication from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Public Administration from Georgia State University.