The Ohio State University at Marion welcomed former Whirlpool leader Catherine Gerber as its new director of development and community relations, beginning Monday, July 29, 2019.
Gerber proceeds Dave Claborn, who retired at the end of July having helped raise funds and helped shepherd a host of projects and initiatives on campus and in the community. Claborn was instrumental in negotiating with county and state officials on the construction of University Drive. He raised over $1 million in local funds to support construction of the new $15.5 million Science and Engineering Building. He spearheaded the effort for privately developed student housing adjacent to campus. Most recently, Claborn was successful in raising funds for completion of the first portion of the Marion Campus Walking and Bike Trail, and a walking bridge connecting the campus to Forum Shopping Center.
“We are very grateful for Dave and the wonderful program he has built during his tenure through the connections he has helped us leverage and the incredible engagement with our alumni,” said Senior Director of the Individual Philanthropic Strategy, Andrea Bowlin.
“We are excited he is passing the torch to Cathy with her numerous years of engagement to the Marion community,” she added.
For Gerber, this is an opportunity to give back to the university that provided her a stepping stone for her positive career trajectory.
“I am beyond excited to be chosen for this position,” said Gerber. “I was the first one to attend college in my family and firmly believe had it not been for the opportunity to attend a regional campus like Ohio State Marion, I would not have been able to pursue my dream. I look forward to reconnecting with the Marion community,” said Gerber.
She is also very proud that her daughter Abigail is following in her footsteps, also choosing to attend Ohio State Marion.
Gerber will lead a team of six staff, overseeing fundraising strategy, community and alumni relations for the campus.
A resident of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Gerber earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University at Marion in 1991. Since graduation she has served in a number of leadership roles with both Whirlpool in Marion and Whirlpool in Findlay, most recently serving as Communications and Community Relations Lead for the company’s Findlay Operation.