Making the Case for Leadership: Profiles of Chief Advancement Officers in Higher Education

by Jon Derek Croteau, Zachary A. Smith

The advancement industry has experienced tremendous growth in breadth and depth over the last few decades. Driving this growth is the chief advancement officer; however, as a relatively new position on most college and university campuses, little is formally known about the role and the people who fill it. In Making the Case for Leadership, Jon Derek Croteau and Zachary A. Smith provide insightful and intimate details of ten of the most high performing and successful CAOs in the their career paths, leadership philosophies, and other important leadership variables. Additionally, the book presents the authors' Advancement Leadership Competency Model, based on the results of the interviews and rigorous data analysis. Croteau and Smith delve further into the advancement office and its history, impact, and potential than any book—or research—ever has. They conclude this momentous undertaking with the lessons learned and implications for the future related to the next generation of advancement leaders and future leadership development and training programs.

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Jon Derek Croteau is on a mission to make a difference, a mission he has pursued since his childhood. He uses every moment to learn more about the world in order to contribute to those who are in need, disenfranchised, or impacted by discrimination. He is a champion of equal rights and effective leadership. This has led him to advocate, teach, write, advise and support people, places, and ideas that enhance the lives of others. As a husband, brother, uncle, and friend, he shares his love, life and mission with his family and friends from whom he draws support and inspiration.

Jon is a senior partner at a global leadership consultancy, an expert in leadership solutions for major institutions, and a respected author.