UM News

Sergio Gonzalez

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (May 17, 2017)—Sergio Gonzalez, the senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs who led the University of Miami’s Momentum capital campaigns and the ‘U’ rebranding effort, has been named senior vice president for advancement at Brown University.

“After more than 15 years of superlative service to the University of Miami, Sergio will certainly be missed, but I am sure you will join me in congratulating him as he embarks on this next chapter of his outstanding career,” President Julio Frenk said in announcing Gonzalez’s new position, effective August 1.

“Over the years, Sergio has led all development, communications, community relations, and alumni relations activities at the University. His efforts in these areas contributed significantly to our progress as a top-tier institution.”

In addition to the Momentum capital campaigns, which raised more than $3 billion during former UM President Donna E. Shalala’s tenure, Gonzalez was responsible for implementing the “U” as UM’s university-wide visual brand, now considered a national model for university rebranding. He also created the University’s first comprehensive parents program, a widely recognized donor stewardship effort, and a highly successful admissions legacy program.

In a message to the advancement team, Gonzalez said his decision was bittersweet as he had the great privilege of leading University Advancement under two gifted presidents who provided compelling and far-reaching visions for the institution. “It is,” he wrote, “ a wonderful and exhilarating time to be at the U. However, often exciting and different opportunities come your way that you never expected. These require consideration and sometimes result in difficult—and life-changing—professional and personal decisions.”

At Brown, an Ivy league college founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1764, Gonzalez will oversee advancement areas across the University, including the Office of Development, Office of Alumni Relations, Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Office for International Advancement, the Brown Sports Foundation, the Brown Annual Fund and others. He will report directly to Brown President Christina Paxson and serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Before joining UM, Gonzalez served as chief of staff for the Miami-Dade County executive mayor and as a senior executive in Miami-Dade County government. He also served as the executive director of the South Florida 1999 Super Bowl Host Committee and the first executive director of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.

A self-described son of Miami, Gonzalez also has been deeply involved in the community, having filled a number of senior roles in key local private and public organizations, including the Dade County Homeless Trust, South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee, and Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Office.

He also served in key community institutions, including the Orange Bowl Committee, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Arsht Performing Arts Center Trust, and nationally as a member of the boards of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the National Council of La Raza.

Frenk said a comprehensive search for Gonzalez’s replacement will begin immediately, and will rely on input from faculty, staff, trustees, and other members of the UM community.