Experienced development officer joins WVU School of Dentistry
The West Virginia University School of Dentistry welcomed Dee O'Palko in the new year as director of development. O'Palko assumes the role from Karen Coombs who will provide transitional support until her retirement on Feb. 7.
A longtime member of the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University, O'Palko brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience to her new role.
“We are very excited to welcome Dee to the School of Dentistry,” Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean, said. “Her wealth of experience and enthusiasm for advancing the mission of the school and the university will be integral as we continue our pursuit of excellence in oral healthcare education, patient care and research.”
O’Palko joins the dental school from WVU Medicine Children’s where she served as director of annual giving, providing fundraising leadership to maximize annual giving through private support for various programs and initiatives. During her time supporting WVU Medicine Children’s, she contributed to the successful “Grow Hope, Grow Children’s” capital campaign that paved the way for the new state-of-the-art hospital that serves the state and region. She also acted as a key member of campaign and event development teams, among other duties.
She previously served the children’s hospital as a development officer and WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute as a development specialist and development assistant. Prior to her roles at the WVU Foundation, O’Palko worked in marketing and project management in the Morgantown and Washington, D.C., areas.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to grow in my career and to continue giving back to an organization that personally means so much to me,” O’Palko said. “It’s very rewarding to connect with donors and see how their passion for WVU makes a meaningful impact on our students and the communities we serve.”
O’Palko is a native of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
She and her husband, Andy, are the proud parents of two daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer, and they have two dogs and a cat.
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the WVU School of Dentistry can contact O’Palko at 304-413-5049 or dopalko@wvuf.org to discuss giving opportunities.
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