NEW YORK, NY, August 23, 2022— Bonnie Blankenship has garnered $7.1 million dollars for non-profits over the past 8 years alone, with over 20 years’ experience in successful donor gift planning. She has increased giving by individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to mission-driven organizations in education, the arts, and numerous social justice causes by successfully communicating their vision, achievements, and plans for growth. Prior to her current position at Guttman Community College, she served as Director of Development for the I Have A Dream Foundation. Blankenship created a major donor circle yielding $1.5 million dollars and increased foundation giving by 90%.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Guttman community at its 10th anniversary of serving students. My entire career has been spent guiding donors to important mission-driven endeavors, and I look forward to continuing that work by telling the stories of Guttman’s game-changing education to others who want to be part of its growth,” said Bonnie Blankenship.
As Director of Institutional Advancement & Donor Relations, Blankenship will serve as a member of the President’s Strategy and Implementation Team (PSIT) and provide support to the Guttman Community College Foundation. Additionally, she will partner with the college community to develop and implement fundraising campaigns to support Guttman’s diverse student population. Blankenship will also provide leadership to the marketing and communications department to ensure a streamlined and integrated communications program that will help cultivate meaningful relationships with keys audiences, support enrollment campaigns, and amplify the College’s brand and impact locally and nationally.
“Bonnie brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors. Her rare blend of passion for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging-with demonstrable fundraising talent-resonated with our search committee. I am elated that Bonnie will partner with the Guttman community and College Foundation to leverage our storied past, as we plan for future growth and expansion,” said Dr. Larry Johnson, President, Guttman Community College.
Bonnie Blankenship’s appointment will become effective September 6, 2022.
Stella and Charles Guttman Community College is CUNY’s first new community college in more than forty years. Reimagining what community college could be, Guttman opened its doors in Manhattan in August 2012 to create a research-based, innovative model focused on moving students efficiently toward graduation. Offering associate degree programs in a nurturing environment, the College provides holistic support and advising to ensure timely degree completion, and most graduates transfer to senior colleges. Guttman is federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and minority-serving institution with more than 90% of the student population identifying as Latine, Black/African American or Asian. Guttman was named the best community college in America in 2020 and the top community college in New York State in 2020 and 2021 by Niche.com, and WalletHub ranked Guttman the #1 community college in New York State for 2025.