Michael Degenhart
Consulting Vice President, Gift Planning
Core Expertise
Michael joined GG+A in 2010 with more than 15 years of professional experience in development and fundraising with higher education institutions.
He is currently Director of the Office of Gift Planning at The Pennsylvania State University, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of university-wide planned giving efforts for 24 campuses. His office has an overall combined gift planning goal of $70 million annually. Michael is a key member of the campaign team for Penn State’s $2 billion dollar comprehensive campaign and has the unique ability to take a very technical gift planning technique and articulate it in terms that donors understand.
Recent Accomplishments
Before entering his current role, Michael served three years as the Assistant Vice President for the Office of Gift Planning at Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, he provided strategic leadership to aid central major gift staff and encouraged the consistent use of “combination gifts” to increase an individual’s giving potential. He was also responsible for reorganizing assignments, streamlining rating systems, and directing gift officers to efficiently and effectively identify, qualify, and solicit prospects.
Career Snapshot
Prior to this experience, Michael spent seven years as the Associate Director of the Office of Trust, Estates & Gift Planning at Cornell University. He also served as Director of Capital Programs at Hampden-Sydney College and Director of Development and Gift Planning at the Medical College of Ohio.
Before pursuing a career in higher education advancement, Michael served as Vice President in the Private Client Group with Robert W. Baird & Co.
He has been quoted in Bloomberg Wealth Manager, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and the Journal of Gift Planning. He has authored articles that have appeared in many publications, including Planned Giving Today and the Major Gift Report.
Michael received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business. He is an Accredited Estate Planner.
Contact
Phone: 312.372.4040
