Tara K. Connolly Becomes ICF's First Woman President

The Iowa College Foundation (ICF) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Tara K. Connolly as its new President, the first female President in its 74-year history. Finishing a decade of service as president, she replaces Ed Finn, the former president.

At a time when the Iowa College Foundation is expanding its statewide presence with strategic partnerships, philanthropy and programs designed to advance access to higher education in Iowa's 21 independent, non-profit colleges and universities, Tara takes the helm. Today, it reaches out to over 30,000 learners and remains committed to reducing the cost as a barrier to higher education.

Before officially taking over as president, Tara served as President-elect for the past year. In that period she was closely involved with the ICF Board of Governors and leadership team to create an overall strategic plan for ICF. The process led to a renewed mission, vision, new brand identity, and a long-term growth plan to help the organization accomplish its vision of "Where the Future of Iowa Belongs.

Marty Fredericks, Chair of the Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors, said she was delighted to have Tara serve on the board and was impressed by her visionary leadership and fundraising expertise. Her leadership and collaboration during the past year has laid the groundwork for the organization to continue to grow and make a difference," he added.

Key Highlights:

• Tara K. Connolly becomes the first woman President of the Iowa College Foundation
• She will focus on expanding scholarships and partnerships
• The foundation aims to improve access to higher education and strengthen Iowa’s workforce

The Iowa College Foundation was established in 1952 to advance the education of students and the mission of Iowa's independent colleges and universities through philanthropy, scholarships and partnership opportunities. The organization is a significant contributor to Iowa strengthening its workforce by increasing college access for students and long-term needs of employers and communities throughout the state through quality higher education.

A graduate of two independent, non-profit universities, Tara said it's an honour to be leading the foundation. She called attention to the critical importance of Iowa's independent colleges and universities in training leaders, educating for meaningful careers, and building Iowa communities. She also noted the opportunity to partner with member institutions and donors to increase the access to education and investment in Iowa's future.

Tara will prioritize building philanthropic support for Iowa's independent colleges and universities, improving ties with business partners and foundations, growing scholarships across the state, and fostering collaborative efforts to educate students for future workforce needs as president.

She also emphasized the importance of the scholarship funding, stressing that each scholarship is more than just money. The scholarships provide opportunities for students and help build Iowa's future by providing students with access to life-changing education, Tara said.

Tara's selection is an important step forward for the Iowa College Foundation and its ongoing mission to increase access to college education, build up Iowa's talent pipeline and contribute to the success of Iowa students through philanthropy and strategic partnerships, the foundation said.

With Tara at the helm, the foundation aims to further its mission of ensuring that students across the state have the opportunity to benefit from the education offered by Iowa's independent colleges and universities while helping build a stronger workforce and a brighter future for Iowa.

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