Our team forges relationships with the goal of supporting world-class education and discovery on campus and beyond. Being part of DAR means you will have opportunities to live our university motto, Dare to Grow, as we impact and set bold ambitions for the future.
Mission
We will secure and enhance philanthropic support and constituent engagement, propelling Vanderbilt toward its vision of becoming the great university of the 21st century.
Vision
We will cultivate Vanderbilt champions by creating and nurturing mutually caring and lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and other supporters utilizing world-class initiatives and technologies.
Values
In DAR, we strive to embody the values of agility, collaboration, ownership, respect, new ideas and stewardship - which we fondly refer to as our "ACORNS," a nod to the beautiful oak trees on Vanderbilt's campus.
- Agility – we embrace change with a positive and flexible attitude, striving to improve and learn from each situation, giving and accepting feedback with an open mind.
- Collaboration – working together toward shared goals, trusting and respecting colleagues, and creative idea sharing.
- Ownership – holding yourself and others accountable, taking initiative, transparent and timely communication, seeking opportunities to grow.
- Respect – embracing and celebrating differences, everyone feels valued, support your colleagues, and creating a space for honest conversation.
- New Ideas – creative, curious, and innovative thinking; openness to change; boldly trying new ideas; intentionally considering new and different perspectives.
- Stewardship – having a service and mission-driven mentality, fostering relationships, showing gratitude, making others feel appreciated, and volunteering.
DAR Leadership
Vice Chancellor, Development and Alumni Relations
John M Lutz
In his role as vice chancellor, John M Lutz leads all of Vanderbilt’s philanthropic and alumni engagement efforts. He works closely with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and university leaders to advance academic excellence, research innovation and community impact by securing transformative gifts and strengthening lifelong connections among past, current and future Commodores.
Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor, Finance and Business Services
Gena Cobble
In addition to serving as DAR’s chief of staff, Gena Cobble oversees vice chancellor operations, budget and facilities, accounting, talent management, and trust and estate administration.
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Development Operations
Kim Mallory
Kim Mallory leads many of DAR’s operational teams and systems, including CRM administration, advancement information services, research and prospect development, project management, LPE operations, and hospitality and concierge services.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Development Services
Heather Marabeti
Heather Marabeti manages all teams and initiatives pertaining to stewardship, gift and donor services and development events.
Chief Development Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor, Development
Stephanie Oberhausen
Stephanie Oberhausen leads a team of fundraisers and development specialists whose expertise spans Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges, athletics, family philanthropy, regional philanthropy, national discovery, planned giving, strategic priorities and all efforts pertaining to the Dare to
Grow campaign.
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
Lauren Obersteadt
Lauren Obersteadt manages the teams that oversee all of Vanderbilt’s annual giving, alumni engagement and campus engagement efforts.
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Donor, Alumni and Parent Communications
Brent Waugh
Brent Waugh works with colleagues across DAR and Vanderbilt’s Division of Communications and Marketing to develop communications around giving, alumni and parent engagement, the Dare to Grow campaign and other university priorities.