Lyndon Institute welcomes Erik Oliver into the role of Vice President of External Relations and Advancement. Mr. Oliver has spent the past 20 years as a fundraising and communications professional with several decades of experience in the fields of education and non-profit organizations. He brings a strong skill set in identifying opportunities, formulating strategies, building a collaborative board culture, and driving organizational change.

In Mr. Oliver's new role, he will oversee the existing Advancement departments including Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing, Communications, and Admissions. This position was created in collaboration with Head of School Dr. Brian Bloomfield and the Board of Trustees who identified the benefits of having an individual in this upper leadership role to support the mission and evolution of LI. Mr. Oliver stood out as an ideal candidate due to his background in developing strategic community alliances, donor-centered philanthropy, successful campaign strategies, non-profit board management, and media relations.

Currently, Mr. Oliver is the Director of Development and Communications at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont and has served in that role since 2016. Prior to transitioning to the museum world, he was the Director of Major and Annual Giving and Alumni and Parent Relations at Champlain College in Burlington. A graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, Mr. Oliver also served as their Leadership Gifts Officer, Director of Annual Giving, and Director of the Northeastern region in several fundraising campaigns targeted at increased alumni gifts and a capital campaign which raised more than $86 million dollars. In his tenure as a professional in the educational and non-profit arenas he has successfully raised more than $100 million dollars. Prior to this, he effectively managed a country club and yacht club in Erie, Pennsylvania, as Executive Chef for nearly a decade, before hanging up his apron for philanthropy. "I'm excited to return to education after a rewarding stint in the museum world”, said Mr. Oliver, “and I look forward to helping the Lyndon Institute build on its strong foundation of success.”

Head of School Dr. Bloomfield said, "Erik brings to LI a deep devotion of helping small, mission-driven organizations grow into themselves. His track record of success comes from getting to know people and building strong relationships. He's a natural fit for the culture at LI."

Mr. Oliver and his wife, a writer and Professor of Digital Media and Communications, moved to Vermont 15 years ago to raise their young family. Their two eldest sons are both teachers and their daughter is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh.

He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Eckerd College and his culinary degree from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. Mr. Oliver will be moving to the Northeast Kingdom with his wife to start his new role on July 1, 2023.