UW President Seidel Taps Ivanoff as Chief of Staff

University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has selected an accomplished administrator with a deep understanding of Wyoming and its university to join his cabinet as chief of staff.

Mary Ivanoff most recently was the vice president for administration and donor relations with the UW Foundation, where she served for the past 20 years. In her new role, Ivanoff will help advance the president’s universitywide agenda; assist on major initiatives; serve as a liaison to external constituents; and oversee the administrative and operational activities of the Office of the President, among other responsibilities.

She will assume her new position Aug. 25.

“Mary’s experience in nonprofit organizations, as well as her broad knowledge and relationships on the UW campus and around the state, makes her an ideal fit for this new role,” Seidel says. “I’m excited to have her join the team.”

Ivanoff guided many efforts of the UW Foundation during her tenure there, including serving on the committee that designed and navigated the construction and opening of the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, a signature facility on the UW campus that has become a hub of the public and private partnership between UW and the community. In the past 20 years, the foundation has seen exponential growth and success as the fundraising arm of the university.

“It is an honor and privilege to join President Seidel’s team and to continue to be a member of the University of Wyoming family,” Ivanoff says. “This university has been a central focus of my life for 20 years, and it has been a pleasure to serve our students, alumni, supporters and state during that time. I’m grateful for this new opportunity to give back to an institution for which I have the greatest respect and affection.”