Montgomery College Announces Bernadette Maldonado as Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the Montgomery College Foundation

Montgomery College is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernadette Maldonado as its new vice president for Development and Alumni Relations and executive director of the Montgomery College Foundation. With over two decades of experience in advancement across five institutions, Maldonado brings a wealth of expertise in fundraising, board development, campaign strategy, and donor engagement. Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Montgomery College’s philanthropic initiatives while enhancing community partnerships that support student success.

Maldonado’s career in higher education spans Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and University Relations (Advancement). Her extensive experience across campus divisions has established her as a trusted adviser, grounded leader, and effective relationship builder in complex organizational settings. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an ability to transform board and organizational culture, forging strong partnerships with stakeholders to drive shared success. Her fundraising expertise has contributed to cumulative revenue attainment exceeding $2 billion.

“Montgomery College is a nationally lauded luminary within higher education that unequivocally delivers on the promise of student success while upholding a culture of radical equity and inclusivity,” Maldonado said. “I am also inspired by the student success stories that permeate the College, and these narratives resonate deeply with me as a first-generation student who benefited from the mission delivery of my local community college.”

Maldonado holds a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies and a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) in Philosophy from the University of San Diego. Most recently, she served as the senior associate vice president of Development and executive director of campaign with the University of Toledo Foundation. There, she led strategic fundraising efforts across the university’s 13 colleges and programs, achieving an annual fundraising attainment of $25 million. She played a key role in fostering a culture of philanthropy, aligning fundraising strategies with institutional priorities, and preparing for the next comprehensive campaign.

As the chief advancement officer for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, Maldonado provided strategic leadership for development initiatives, generating $22 million in annual philanthropy. Her accomplishments included expanding major and principal gifts programs, increasing revenue for the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, and revitalizing the Archdiocese’s fundraising gala. She also spearheaded the rebranding of the department from Development to Advancement, integrating new prospect development and advancement communications functions.

During her tenure as assistant vice president for University Relations & Campaign and vice president & secretary to the Foundation Board at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maldonado played a pivotal role in executing the $1.5 billion Fearless Ideas Campaign. She managed a team of 40 advancement professionals across multiple areas, driving engagement with donors and volunteers while expanding alumni outreach and participation.

“I look forward to meeting with many alumni, families, donors, and community and industry partners while strengthening their connection to the institution,” she said. “I can’t wait to contribute to this vibrant Raptor community!”

Maldonado’s previous experience also includes serving as the executive director of Campaign for Creighton University, where she led the formation and execution of a nine-figure comprehensive fundraising campaign during its early phase. Earlier in her career, she held progressive leadership roles at her alma mater, the University of San Diego, where she played a key role in the successful execution of the $300 million Leading Change campaign.