Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomed its new executive director of the ACC Foundation, Amy Bawcom, after a nationwide search. Bawcom will direct and administer the overall planning and activities of the ACC Foundation, including donor development, direct fundraising, capacity building, Board development, oversight of the ACC Foundation Board, and a $13 million endowment.

“I’m proud of the process and confident in the unanimous decision to welcome Amy to this critical position — we are thrilled she has accepted,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “I want to thank Ann Schubert and Sherry Schmidt for their continued good work following Stephanie’s retirement. I’d also like to extend a special thanks to Curtiss Stevens who not only kept the ship afloat as our interim executive director, he did an admirable job.”

The hiring committee was composed of a diverse group of Foundation Board members and college leadership. The team interviewed 14 candidates from all types of fundraising backgrounds. 

Bawcom formerly served as vice president for development at the San Marcos Academy, where she led the foundation, alumni relations, and all aspects of development from capital campaigns and events to major gifts and “friend-raising.”  Prior to that role, she worked at Central Texas College as executive director of the foundation and director of college development where she managed an $8 million endowment and developed strategies for planned giving. Bawcom also has previously served as the director of foundation relations and as a major gift officer at the Scott and White Healthcare Foundation. 

Bawcom has a master’s in English Language and Literature from Baylor University and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and English with a secondary teaching certification from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). In addition, she completed post-graduate study in English from Baylor University and in higher education administration from both Baylor and UMHB.

“I love Central Texas, and I am eager to continue my service in this area in a role which will have a greater impact on its workforce through helping to develop a diverse and employable student body,” says Bawcom. “I can’t wait to work with the ACC Foundation Board to provide financial opportunities for these students. I am also eager to learn how each of our campuses and programs helps fulfill ACC’s mission.”

Some of her initial goals include developing ACC’S Career Scholars program and increasing awareness of scholarship opportunities, with a long-term goal of growing the endowment. 

Bawcom started the role Monday, April 12.

Visit the ACC Foundation website to learn more.