GAMBIER — Kenyon College is pleased to welcome two senior-level members to its leadership team, including its first chief operating officer.
Roger Wakeman, vice president for facilities and energy at Dartmouth College, will join Kenyon as its COO on Aug. 13. He will take on a critical role in facilitating the seamless integration of administrative services and operational functions.
Keith DiDonato, chief advancement officer at The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, will join Wakeman on the senior staff.
DiDonato will begin his duties as Kenyon’s vice president for advancement on Aug. 4.
Wakeman
As the college’s inaugural COO, Wakeman will oversee facilities, design and construction, business services, information technology and human resources. Working closely with the president and senior leadership, Wakeman will serve as an important partner in the strategic alignment and strong management of the college’s infrastructure and systems to support and enhance teaching, learning, research and the student experience.
“Roger brings to Kenyon vast insight and experience as a systems thinker and collaborator at a pivotal moment in the college’s history,” President Julie Kornfeld said.
“His profound understanding and appreciation for our mission and priorities make him an ideal steward of Kenyon’s critical assets. This work has never been more important. I’m excited for his partnership in shepherding the college into its third century.”
Wakeman has demonstrated a deep commitment to service, environmental stewardship, and strategic operational and facilities leadership in a career spanning more than three decades.
Previous experience
At highly selective institutions of learning and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, he developed synergies between and among teams and functions that ensured effectiveness and efficiency for all.
While promoting major advancements in the use of technology tools for asset management, planning and workflow, Wakeman has overseen the implementation of a $1 billion energy transition program and a $500 million undergraduate housing development at an Ivy League school.
He has also worked with advancement teams and donors on philanthropic initiatives as part of large capital campaigns and created collaborative connections with union workforces.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Kenyon College community in the newly created role of chief operating officer,” Wakeman said. “From my first introduction to the opportunity it was very compelling, and as I got to know President Kornfeld, board members and other potential colleagues, it was clear to me that Kenyon is a special place.
“The values, campus environment and rural location aligned very well with me and my desire to only join an institution of excellence. I feel well prepared and enthusiastic about taking on this role, and I look forward to collaborating with my new teammates across all campus functions.”
Prior to joining Dartmouth College, Wakeman held positions of increasing responsibility in the facilities and planning offices at Phillips Exeter Academy, Hamilton College, and Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont.
He served in the civil engineer corps of the U.S. Navy and earned a master’s degree from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.
DiDonato
DiDonato, as vice president for advancement, will build upon Kenyon’s recently completed, record-breaking $532 million comprehensive campaign and lead the continued growth and evolution of the college’s Advancement Division.
He will oversee major, principal, and planned giving; advancement information services; advancement communications and strategy; alumni and parent engagement; and annual giving, including the Kenyon Fund and Kenyon Parent Fund.
Working closely with the president, fellow senior staff, trustees, donors and staff to reinforce Kenyon’s position in an ever-evolving higher education landscape, DiDonato will play an integral role in innovating the college’s efforts to strengthen both alumni and non-alumni engagement and giving.
That includes stewardship of an emerging new generation of alumni joining Kenyon’s highest-level supporters through the Third Century Founders initiative.
“I’m thrilled to have Keith as a strategic and visionary partner in advancing Kenyon’s ambitious third century,” Kornfeld said.
“He’s a gifted leader with a deep commitment to higher education and mission-driven work who can speak with great enthusiasm — and also great humility — about the transformative power of a liberal arts education. I have no doubt that he will be a powerful advocate for the college and our approach to preparing graduates for lives of purpose and consequence.”
Previous experience
With nearly two decades of record-breaking fundraising experience at institutions across Ohio, DiDonato most recently led a goal-surpassing comprehensive campaign at The Ohio State University, raising $347 million for the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.
Throughout his career, DiDonato has been responsible for highly successful capital campaigns and substantially increased donor engagement. He has overseen the rebranding of alumni publications and the creation of reunion and homecoming events.
“I am excited to join the Kenyon College community,” DiDonato said. “This is a pivotal time in higher education and for Kenyon, and I welcome the opportunity to work beside the alumni and donor community in building the foundations for Kenyon’s third century.”
Prior to joining The Ohio State University, DiDonato held positions of increasing responsibility in the advancement offices at The College of Wooster and Oberlin College and Conservatory. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Committees that included trustees, alumni, faculty and staff recommended Wakeman and DiDonato following national searches assisted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller.