Foundation News

Walker Appointed Head of College Development

Steve Walker is the Yavapai College's new Executive Director for College Development. Walker will be working with the Yavapai College Foundation, the Grants Office and Resource Development Office to coordinate and manage the college’s fund raising activities.

27 years of experience

Walker brings more than 27 years of experience in for-profit, government and not-for-profit organizations. Previous to Yavapai College, he was the director of philanthropy for the Texas chapter and Mexico and Migratory Bird programs of The Nature Conservancy. Over the course of his career he has raised tens of millions of dollars from both private and public sources.

Walker moved to Prescott more than 30 years ago but has lived in Texas for the past 13 years. “I’m pleased to be back in Prescott and part of the Yavapai College team,” he said. “The college is on a positive course, with a vision for the future, good leadership and community support.”

A valuable link between the College and Foundation

“I know I speak on behalf of the Foundation’s board of directors in saying that Walker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position,” said Ray Newton, now in his second term as YCF president. “It’s important that the public knows that the Foundation is a distinct and separate non-profit corporation and not administered by the college. Walker will provide that valuable linkage between the college and the Foundation, thus assuring that the Foundation can continue in its stated mission of supporting and promoting college activities through resource development.”

Raising awareness a priority

Priorities for Walker include increasing awareness of the Foundation and its programs countywide, supporting the board of directors, reconnecting with alumni, establishing an annual giving campaign and growing the grant making and major donor programs.

His immediate goal is to lead the effort to raise the remaining $700,000 needed to construct and equip the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center, an educational and early care facility to be built on the Prescott Campus.

Facilitating significant financial growth

“We need a strong Foundation to support the growth of the College,” Walker explained. “My primary goal in this position will be to facilitate significant financial growth in the Foundation to meet the expanding program and capital needs of the College in the next decade and beyond.”