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Medearis Named VP of Duke Medicine Dev. and Alumni Affairs

February 8, 2011

From:
Victor J. Dzau, MD, Chancellor for Health Affairs
and CEO, Duke University Health System

Ellen MedearisI am very pleased to announce that Ellen Medearis, associate vice president for university development, has accepted the position of Vice President, Duke Medicine Development & Alumni Affairs. Ellen will assume this new role in April.

Following a national search in which we evaluated top candidates from peer institutions, it became clear to me, as well as to the search committee, that the ideal candidate was right here at Duke. Throughout the interview process I was impressed by Ellen's proven record of success, the strategic thought process that she has  demonstrated, and her experience and reputation as an effective and highly respected leader. Likewise, the search committee felt that Ellen's analytical skills, operational philosophy and style, and her unique ability to foster synergies through tighter linkages with the university differentiated her from a roster of impressive candidates.

Ellen has served in positions of leadership within the Duke University Development office since joining that team in 1996. Since 2004 she has managed a team of 130 and has been responsible for fostering partnerships with development offices throughout the campus. She has also helped guide plans for Duke's next comprehensive development campaign. Also, it is worth noting that Ellen is no stranger to medicine, clinical research, basic science and medical education as she worked in the Duke Medicine development group for two years prior to joining University Development in 1996.

With the development opportunities associated with the new Duke Cancer Center facility, the Duke Medicine Pavilion, and the School of Medicine Learning Center, as well as the need for new sources of funding to support our scientific and educational missions, this is a critically important appointment. I will look to Ellen to affirm and implement our campaign plan.

I want to thank Michael Cuffe, M.D., for chairing the search committee related to this position and for those who served on this committee. I would also like to express my appreciation to Bob Shepard, vice president of university development, for his support and collaboration throughout this process.  I also want to thank Dottie Williams for providing interim leadership to the Duke Medicine development group over the past several months.

I look forward to your having the opportunity to meet Ellen in coming months and trust that you'll join me in extending a warm welcome to her in this vital role.