Chris Hellstrom has appointed himself with the Monmouth University community as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Division of University Advancement.
Hellstrom’s new role will be to plan and accomplish the institutions fundraising program to solidify financial support from businesses. He will control the endowment and finance proposal that will enhance the University’s academic obligations and develop acknowledgment of company and principle sponsorship in conjunction with the Office of Grants and Contracts at the University.
Hellstrom is hoping in the first six months to identify 50 new funders interested in supporting Monmouth University and match them with some of the unique opportunities that Monmouth offers. He also believes this exciting time to start at Monmouth especially with a new president, Dr. Patrick Leahy, who has articulated the process for a new strategic vision for the future of the University. “We have a variety of priorities set by each dean, such as additional funding for our Visiting Writers series, resources for the SIM Lab for our Nursing Department, and support for our financial literacy programs. We have renowned centers of distinction including the Monmouth Polling Institute and the Urban Coast Institute and I will help to support the Institute for Global Understanding and the Institute of Health and Wellness as well as new programs and initiatives for data science and risk management and insurance,” he said.
A native of Colts Neck, New Jersey, Hellstrom earned his B.A. in psychology and his M.A. in political theory from CUNY, Staten Island, as well as a doctorate of Arts in English Literature from St. John’s University (NY).
“My wife and I recently moved with our two daughters to Colts Neck, and I have found Monmouth University to be such a warm and welcoming environment,” said Hellstrom. “I look forward to working with the development team and the faculty to help advance the mission of Monmouth University.”
Before moving to Colts Neck, Hellstrom served as Executive Director of Staten Island Arts and Director of Development for the Greenbelt Conservancy prior. In these roles, he oversaw fundraising events, grants, and development strategy. He then served as the Director of Agency Advancement for Project Hospitality, a social service organization in Staten Island, where he administered a development team charged with managing major fundraising events as well as all press, events, government grants and private foundation proposals.
After working in Staten Island, he then went on to work in worked in the Office of New York City Mayor and represented the Oxford University Press on college campuses in New York. “ Working for the office of the Mayor in New York City as a staff writer was an excellent experience that taught me a great deal about how to do research across a wide range of policy areas, including healthcare, the environment, and public transportation. Writing grants for diverse academic areas is a part of my job here so this type of experience is helpful. My work in Oxford University Press’s higher education division as well the experience of doing academic research for my Doctorate of Arts degree in English Literature at St. John’s University taught me a great deal about the working in an academic environment. I like the academic setting and enjoy the energy of being on campus here at Monmouth.”
“I’m excited to use this varied experience to work with faculty and the University Advancement team to expand the mission of Monmouth University,” Hellstrom added.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our team and to Monmouth University,” said Wendy Parsons, associate vice president for development. “Chris’ career in fundraising and public affairs spans over two decades working in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His experience will serve him well in his new role as he works with businesses and foundations to align their philanthropic interests with University priorities.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University
