Roxanne Johnston

With over 35 years of experience, Roxanne is a relationship-driven, highly trusted leader with key strengths in fiscal and staff management, volunteer recruitment and motivation, and goal achievement. She has demonstrated success in collaborative implementation and successful completion of comprehensive campaigns, both at SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Brockport. Roxanne is a leader and expert in areas of fundraising and development, alumni and constituent relations, marketing, communications, advisory and volunteer board recruitment and governance, and government relations programs.

Most recently, as SUNY Brockport’s Vice President for Advancement and President of the Brockport Foundation Board of Directors, Roxanne led the campaign readiness, feasibility study, private phase, and public launch for Pursue Something Greater, the largest comprehensive campaign in the College’s history. She personally secured more than 30% of major gifts to the $25 Million Campaign, reaching goal 18 months ahead of schedule. Additionally, Roxanne led a comprehensive rebranding effort giving a clearer, more distinctive identity to the College. Through direct partnership with senior leadership, President and Cabinet, Deans, Chairs, and Board members a culture of philanthropy and alumni connectedness through strategic planning, collaboration and partnerships were built during her tenure. Roxanne also led the effort to create Advisory Boards of prominent, successful alumni for each of the Schools, and procured the College’s first million-dollar gifts. Her leadership and vision resulted in the growth of the Foundation Board into a highly engaged board of nationally renowned alumni and friends. Over $36.5 million in gifts and revenue were raised during her tenure.

Long active in SUNY-wide organizations that promote networking, sharing of best practices, and professional growth among advancement officers throughout the University, Roxanne served as President of SUNYCUAD, SUNY’s professional development organization, and is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Excellence in Professional Service Award.

Roxanne believes deeply in giving back and helping others. Most recently she has served her community as member and President of the Geneseo Rotary Club, and later as a member of the Rochester Rotary Club, Lollypop Farm, Chances and Changes (shelter for Domestic Violence victims) and Focus on the Children (serving needy children in Livingston County). She is currently a member of the Geneseo Garden Club and volunteers at Seymour Library and Mr. Gray’s Strays cat shelter in Brockport.

Roxanne earned her degree in Organizational Management at Roberts Wesleyan College and was awarded the Outstanding Campus Leader Award for her class. She is also a graduate of the HERS Leadership Development Program for Women in Higher Ed at Wellesley College.

Roxanne and her husband, John, live in Brockport with their Lollypop rescue, Hickory, and are fortunate to live nearby their beautiful children and five grandchildren.