Georgia Southwestern Foundation Executive Director Reda Rowell recently announced her retirement effective May 1 after serving the Foundation for over six years.

“Beginning with the warm welcome that my husband Kelly and I received in Americus and at Georgia Southwestern, working the GSW faculty, staff and Foundation has been an honor and a pleasure,” said Rowell. “With many thanks to GSW alumni and friends, I am especially proud of the many new scholarships, initiatives, and activities made possible during my 6 years here and of the 2 national awards we received for overall fundraising excellence.”

During Rowell’s tenure, the Foundation received nearly $7 million in contributions and created 38 new scholarships. Of those scholarships, 17 were endowed and 21 were annual cash awards. The Foundation was also nationally recognized in 2017 and 2018 for superior fundraising at an educational institution with the Educational Fundraising Award presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

“Reda has shown great leadership and dedication to the advancement of the Foundation and the University,” said GSW President Neal Weaver. “Her expertise will be greatly missed and I wish her the best in her retirement.”

Stephen Snyder, special assistant to the President for Advancement, will serve as the interim executive director for the Foundation.

Prior to arriving at GSW, Rowell served 16 years in progressively responsible roles at Clayton State. Having begun as budget manager of CSU Continuing Education, Rowell moved into the Development and Alumni Affairs Office in 2001. Prior to that, she worked at Loggins and Associates, CP, a CPA firm in Jonesboro.

Rowell is an alumna of Clayton State where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and a Master of Arts in history. She and her husband, Kelly, have two adult children and one grandchild.

“The time is right for me to retire and enjoy life in a much more relaxed way,” noted Rowell. “Kelly and I have made Americus our home and we look forward to spending time with friends and continuing to participate in community activities.”

A farewell reception is planned for Rowell on May 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Weaver residence. The public is invited to attend.