Stephanie Hays-Mussoni will join Indiana University East as director of Gift Development beginning June 20. As director, she will lead IU East’s overall fundraising efforts, fostering relationships with alumni and friends of the campus and developing philanthropic support for campus initiatives, programs, and scholarships.

Hays-Mussoni is well-known in the Richmond and Wayne County community as executive director of the Cope Environmental Center.  She has worked at the center for nearly 14 years, serving as executive director since 2007.  Hays-Mussoni oversaw all areas of operations for the organization, including education programs, strategic planning, and board development.  During her tenure at Cope Environmental Center, she was instrumental in gift development, cultivation, special events fundraising, and marketing.

“Stephanie is a proven leader with tremendous nonprofit experience, and she has a passion for this community and for education,” said Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Rob Zinkan.  “Her talents, energy, and ability to build strategic partnerships will help our university advance its mission and growing impact.”

Hays-Mussoni has extensive volunteer experience with several community organizations.  Her current directorships include the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra board of directors.  She is also a current member of the City of Richmond’s Long Range Plan Task Force, Wayne County Foundation Women’s Conference Planning Committee, Richmond Environmental Council, and Richmond Noon Kiwanis.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Indiana University East team to help build resources and continue to grow the campus and programs,” said Hays-Mussoni. “Indiana University East is a wonderful asset in our community.  I look forward to being involved in the efforts to expand the reach of Indiana University East to make our community an even better place to live, learn, work and play.”

A graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts, Hays-Mussoni received the Ball State Council on the Environment (COTE) Green Initiative Award in 2005 and the Ball State Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award in 2006.  She is completing coursework toward a certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.