Cashion named acting VP for Alumni Affairs and Development

President Drew Faust announced today (July 2) that Associate Vice President for University Development and Director of Development for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Robert Cashion ’81 has agreed to serve as acting vice president for Alumni Affairs and Development while the search for a permanent vice president proceeds. Cashion assumed his new role today.

Cashion has served as associate vice president for university development since 2005. Previously, Cashion served as executive director for university development and director of major gifts for FAS. Cashion also served for five years as a member of the Harvard College Admissions Committee. Cashion has overseen cross-University development efforts with a focus on public service, science, corporations and foundations, and planned giving. He also oversees the Harvard College Fund, FAS Capital Gifts, and FAS Operations.

“I am delighted that President Faust has asked me to take on this role,” Cashion said. “This is a very exciting time for Alumni Affairs and Development at Harvard and I look forward to working closely with Drew as she begins her presidency.”

Before coming to Harvard, Cashion worked for seven years at the Wall Street investment firm Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as a senior vice president in municipal finance. Cashion also served as vice president for development at City Year, the Boston-based national service organization. Cashion has an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia. He is married to Carol Jackson Cashion ’83. They have three children and live in Winchester, Mass.

“Bob has played an important leadership role within Alumni Affairs and Development, especially these past few months, and I am grateful to him now for accepting formal responsibility for guiding our activities in this area during this moment of transition,” said Faust. “I know he will continue to serve Harvard with his characteristic intelligence, skill, and collegiality and I look forward to working with him even more closely in the time ahead.”