Robert Lasher '88 is having a homecoming to Dartmouth this spring first in June for his 25th reunion, and then to begin his position as senior vice president for advancement on July 1. Lasher is the first appointment to join the senior administrative staff of President-elect Philip Hanlon, who will assume his role on June 10.
Hanlon was originally slated to begin on July 1, but his start date was pushed forward when the College announced that Interim President Carol Folt would leave to become the first female chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next month.
Lasher, the deputy museum director of external relations at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, will lead Dartmouth's alumni relations and development offices and help raise funds. He will replace Carrie Pelzel, who retired last June after 15 years at the College.
Pelzel, who served on the search committee, called Lasher "a smart, thoughtful, energetic person."
"I think Dartmouth found an exceptional person that will not only be senior vice president of advancement but an active member of the broader community," Pelzel said. "I know that this is his dream job. He's so excited about coming back to his alma mater and taking on this responsibility."
Vice president for alumni relations Martha Beattie, who will report directly to Lasher, said she looks forward to the work that they will accomplish.
"There are great times ahead of us with someone who clearly knows Dartmouth and loves Dartmouth and understands what we need to do to keep it the special place it's always been," Beattie said.
With a background in educational and research-based projects, Lasher is well-equipped to lead fundraising campaigns, interim senior vice president for advancement Ann Root Keith said. Keith will resume her former position as chief operating officer for advancement when Lasher starts in July.
"I'm really thrilled and I've been honored to serve in the role as an interim during this year," Keith said. "I look forward to returning to my other role and working closely with Bob going forward."
The alumni relations and development offices have seen significant staffing changes since last June. Beattie said that Lasher will bring stability to the department next month, adding that Keith has "laid the table beautifully" for his arrival. His passion is evidenced by his work in California, she said.
"The great work that he's done at the San Francisco MoMA is very impressive," Beattie said. "He obviously knows how to garner resources."
Lasher's connection to the College enhanced Lasher's qualifications for the role, Pelzel said.
"He has a lifelong love for Dartmouth, which he acquired when he was here as a student," Pelzel said.
Lasher could not be reached for comment by press time.
