Contrino is new development officer
By Leah Franklin

Kathleen H. Contrino

Kathleen H. Contrino joined the School in December as the new development officer. She will use her media and development experiences to help the School upgrade technology, improve its academic centers and support the Campus Press student newspaper.

"I am excited because (the position) will enable me to use a combination of my education, my experience in the media and my professional development and fund-raising experiences to assist the School in its growth," she said.

Contrino, who has more than 20 years of professional experience in development, received a bachelor's degree in communication from Florida State University and a master's in communication from Colorado State University. (She said she promises not to decorate her office with her college memorabilia.) Contrino worked as a Public Broadcasting System producer and writer at Florida State for 12 years. She said that background gives her a unique perspective as a development officer.

"Having been a student of media and mass communication, I understand what makes the educational experiences the most meaningful to future professional pursuits," Contrino said. "Having been in the world of the media myself, I understand what the profession looks for in qualified graduates."

She moved to Boulder in 1995 and was development director for the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and the Emergency Family Assistance Association. Also, she worked with scholarships, memorial gifts and donor relations at Colorado State University.

"I'm delighted that Kathleen has agreed to join us," said Dean Paul Voakes.

"She brings a terrific combination of fund-raising experience and an understanding of journalism and mass communication. I think the School is very fortunate."

"I am very excited to be returning to academia," Contrino said. "Being in an educational setting feels like home to me."

Contrino also teaches marketing at Front Range Community College, and with her husband she operates Contrino Direct Marketing Inc.

Her part-time appointment at the School began Dec. 15.

Kathleen.Contrino@cufund.colorado.edu