News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2020-10-07-michellerey
October 7, 2020
New Foundation Executive Director Appointed
The Santa Clarita Community College District and the College of the Canyons Foundation
have announced the appointment of Michelle Rey to the post of Executive Director.
Rey, a Santa Clarita Valley resident who comes to COC with over a decade of experience
in non-profit fundraising and development, will work closely with Chancellor Dr. Dianne
Van Hook, the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board of Directors to coordinate
and lead the college’s ongoing fundraising endeavors, identify potential donors and
develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community leaders.
“I wish to extend my congratulations to Michelle and welcome her to the Cougar family,”
said Dr. Van Hook. “She will play an essential role as the Foundation’s Chief Development
Officer in identifying and securing the resources our students and faculty need to
reach their goals.”
Rey expressed excitement at the chance to be part of the legacy Dr. Van Hook has created
through her vision, energy and commitment.
“Her passion for the students, the community and the advancement of the institution
is unparalleled and I look forward to supporting her vision for the future of academia
in Santa Clarita Valley,” said Rey.
Rey’s position is dedicated to securing major gifts and private donations to the college
in order to provide greater access and increased opportunity to students.
“I have always been an admirer of the countless opportunities College of the Canyons
helps to create for students advancing both in their academic and their professional
careers,” said Rey, a resident of Stevenson Ranch, and an alumna of Canyon High School.
“It is an honor to serve alongside dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and our
Foundation Board as we collectively work to continue to open doors, increase access
and create opportunities for success.”
“I wish to welcome Michelle to the COC Foundation and look forward to working with
her,” said Steve Corn, co-chair of the college’s Foundation Board of Directors. “Her
expertise and insight will be extremely beneficial to our fundraising efforts.”
Jill Mellady, who also serves as co-chair of the college’s Foundation Board of Directors,
called Rey the perfect candidate for the role of Executive Director.
“Michelle’s solid fundraising experience and local community roots make her the perfect
fit for this vital role within the college’s Foundation,” said Mellady. “I look forward
to working with her toward creating more opportunities for students.”
For the past three years, Rey was the Director of Development for Santa Clara University
where she oversaw and managed philanthropic and advancements campaigns for one of
the university’s graduate schools and managed a $32 million endowment.
In addition, she also led the development of engagement and solicitation strategies
for qualified major gift prospects over $100,000 while building and maintaining a
portfolio of high-end donors and prospects among alumni, friends, corporations and
foundations.
From 2010 to 2016, she worked for City of Hope—one of the nation’s National Cancer
Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers—initially as a volunteer before
becoming the hospital’s Associate Director of Development.
In that position, Rey coordinated five annual fundraising and cultivation events to
raise revenue in excess of seven figures and managed nine volunteer groups (national
and international) to volunteer and generate revenue in support of the hospital’s
comprehensive campaign.
After earning a bachelor of mathematics degree from California State University Northridge,
Rey earned her Master of Public Administration from Villanova University.
In addition, she holds a Master Certification in Non-profit Management from Villanova
University and a Non-profit Management Certification from the University of Texas.
“I left the Santa Clarita Valley to grow in my professional career and I am grateful
for this opportunity to return home and serve not only the students at COC, but the
entire Santa Clarita Valley in this role,” said Rey.