U-M School of Nursing taps experienced fundraising pro to lead development team

The University of Michigan School of Nursing today announced the appointment of Angela Cao to the position of chief development officer effective Sept. 7, 2022. Cao, who has served as the School’s director of major gifts and campaign and senior associate director of development since 2017, will oversee all aspects of development in her new role, including campaign planning, annual giving, major and planned gift and stewardship related to gifts.

“Angela has strong relationships with our existing community here on campus, both internal and external to the school, and has warm and highly valued relationships with our donors and supporters across the country,” said U-M School of Nursing Dean Patricia D. Hurn.

Cao has extensive experience as a development professional with 23 years of experience fundraising in the non-profit and higher education sectors. Most recently, in her role with the U-M School of Nursing Cao has been preparing for the upcoming university-wide fundraising campaign that is set to kick off in 2024.

“Now more than ever, nursing needs our support and I am happy to be in this role where I can make a positive impact to support the mission,” commented Cao. “I look forward to being the conduit between the world of philanthropy and the outstanding work of our students, alumni, faculty and staff.”

As a leader of development campaigns for organizations operating in a variety of areas, including higher education, public broadcasting and environmental advocacy, Cao has built extensive connections within the philanthropic community across the country.  Prior to joining the U-M development team, she held the top fundraising position at Clean Wisconsin, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and protecting Wisconsin’s clean water, clean air and natural heritage. She led a team of fundraising professionals in her role as director of development there and was responsible for implementing a number of new programs, most notably a successful corporate giving program and a new major donor program.

Cao has also worked as a development professional for KNPB Channel 5 Public Broadcasting in Reno, Nevada and The Lear Theater, also located in Reno.