Williamson College of the Trades is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelsey Turk as its next vice president for Institutional Advancement, effective July 1, 2026.
In this leadership role, Turk will oversee Williamson’s advancement efforts, including fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement, community and foundation partnerships, and strategic communications and public relations. She will work closely with the board of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic support and advance Williamson’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
“Kelsey has worked side by side with Arlene Snyder for the past several years and has built strong relationships with our board, staff, donors, and alumni,” said Michael Rounds, president of Williamson. “She has a deep understanding of Williamson’s mission and the leadership skills necessary to continue advancing the college’s goals in the years ahead.”
Turk joined Williamson in August 2019 as advancement officer, where she cultivated meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters while helping to strengthen the college’s major gifts program. In December 2021, she was promoted to associate vice president for Institutional Advancement, providing senior-level leadership for the day-to-day operations of the Office of Institutional Advancement and helping guide the college’s fundraising initiatives and capital campaign efforts.
With 14 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and advancement, Turk previously held development and alumni relations roles at Cabrini University and Philadelphia University. Earlier in her career, she coordinated fundraising events for Big Brothers Big Sisters and managed annual fund initiatives at Mercy Career & Technical High School, where she first became familiar with Williamson’s mission and the importance of skilled trades education.
Regarding her new position, Turk said, “I am honored to serve as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Williamson College of the Trades. As I assume this role, I do so under difficult circumstances following the passing of Arlene Snyder, who was much more than a supervisor. Her mentorship, friendship, and steadfast dedication to Williamson left an indelible mark on both the institution and on me personally. Having dedicated much of my professional career to Williamson, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact this institution has on the lives of our students and the communities in which they serve. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to working alongside our alumni, donors, trustees, and campus community to further strengthen Williamson’s mission.”
Turk succeeds Arlene Snyder, whose leadership and dedication helped strengthen Williamson’s advancement efforts and philanthropic impact for over ten years.
