Heather McDonald

Heather McDonald is vice president for advancement at Smith College, where she leads the college’s advancement division, including alumnae relations, individual and annual giving, gift planning, and international development. A member of the president’s executive team, she serves as a strategic partner and fundraising adviser to the president, board of trustees, and senior leadership, helping advance Smith’s philanthropic priorities and strengthen engagement among alums, donors, and the broader Smith community. McDonald joined Smith in 2026 from Mount Holyoke College, where she served as associate vice president for development. She brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit management, and fundraising. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in education from University of Hartford, and a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at New Paltz.