CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Barry Benson, a member of the senior leadership team at the University of Arizona Foundation, has been named the Urbana campus’s vice chancellor for advancement and the senior vice president of the University of Illinois foundation, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Benson, who is succeeding Dan Peterson in the role formerly titled vice chancellor for institutional advancement, will report for duty March 16. Ed Ewald has served on an interim basis since February 2016, after Peterson departed for a job at the University of Washington.
“Barry Benson is a highly accomplished development professional who has a deep familiarity with large public research universities and experience in major campaigns,” said Chancellor Robert Jones. “He has the skills, passion and energy to lead our advancement team, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Illinois family.”
Jim Moore, president and CEO of the University of Illinois Foundation, said the breadth and depth of Benson’s experience make him a good fit.
“It was important to recruit a vice chancellor who had direct experience working with deans and academic leaders, and someone who understands university-related organizations,” Moore said. “Barry has directed a college of engineering development program and he has held senior leadership positions at a large public university foundation. I am excited to have him as a new partner on our team.”
Benson has served in various roles at the Tucson, Ariz.-based university since 2009. For the past year, he was senior vice president of development for university campaigns, regional development and gift planning. Previously, he was the Arizona foundation’s vice president of development, university campaigns and communications; the senior director of development for the college of engineering; and the foundation’s director of regional development.
A finance graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University, Benson also served as the University of Northern Colorado Foundation’s director of development and in estate planning and financial management positions for three financial services providers in Colorado.
Benson and his wife, Jami, have three daughters.
