Perrysburg gets development director

8/19/2013

Jeff Abke was approved by the Perrysburg Board of Education Monday night to be hired as the district's first development director.

He will be paid $77,000 annually to seek financial gifts from alumni and any other donors he can identify.

“Not only is Jeff highly qualified to help build this new program, but he is also an alumnus, so he is very tuned-in to Perrysburg,” Superintendent Tom Hosler said. “This program’s goal is ultimately to reduce our reliance on local tax dollars and give individuals or organizations an opportunity to directly support the programs that mean the most to them.”

Mr. Abke, a 1996 Perrysburg High School graduate, was the assistant director of advancement for Pomfret School in Pomfret, Conn. Before that he held positions at Miami University of Ohio and St. Lawrence University as the associate director of alumni and parent programs. He has a bachelor of arts from Miami University. 

His fund-raising position's purpose is to try to keep the Perrysburg district competitive with private and charter schools. 

The district will accept, manage, and distribute gifts according to donor wishes and established district goals and priorities that include academics, athletics, facilities, fine and performing arts, programs, materials, and technology.