The SIU Foundation is ecstatic to announce the expansion of its fundraising team.
Coming off a historic Fiscal Year 2024 in which it raised $46.8 million and in the middle of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, the SIU Foundation is building on this incredible momentum.
The following individuals began their new roles on July 1, 2024:
- Jen Badiu, assistant director of development for the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics
- Brian Flath, director of development for Student Affairs
- Carol Greenlee, director of development for the School of Education
- Brittney Morrison, assistant director of development for the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences
- Michelle Snyder, assistant director of development for the College of Arts and Media
“Our staff has been doing amazing things, and these five individuals are going to help push our fundraising efforts even further,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “The SIU Foundation Board of Directors has invested in our team, and adding to our tremendous team of fundraisers allows us to expand our role as an accelerator for the university.”
Badiu previously served as an academic advisor in SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, and has started working toward her doctoral degree at SIU. In 2005, she became the system director for Southern Illinois Healthcare, overseeing the growth and development of the region’s first comprehensive freestanding cancer center, Breast Centers, and established the Office of Clinical Research. Jen was instrumental in the initiation of fundraising efforts, including Pink Out Cancer, Black Out Cancer, SIU Coach Kill Cancer Fund, and SIH Grateful Patient & Family Giving Fund.
Flath comes to the Foundation after nearly nine years in the Corporate Support Department at WSIU Public Broadcasting. He also previously worked for Lee Enterprises as an advertising sales representative, at both The Southern Illinoisan and Herald & Review newspapers. He received his bachelor’s degree from SIU journalism with a specialization in advertising. He is involved in several community organizations, including the Carterville Area Rotary Club, several local chambers of commerce, the Knights of Columbus Council #10453, and The Night’s Shield in West Frankfort.
Greenlee had been the associate director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for two years, contributing significantly to the implementation of key initiatives and managing distinguished campus visits. She chairs the SIU Head Start Government Board and serves on the SIU Credit Union Board of Directors. She holds two degrees from SIU Carbondale, a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Education. In 2023, she was selected for the Edgar Fellows program, a statewide leadership initiative.
Morrison was previously the assistant director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU, where she was responsible for developing and planning complex events. Before that, she was the admissions and events coordinator for SIU Undergraduate Admissions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, specializing in financial management and is pursuing her master’s degree in education with a major in organizational learning, innovation, and development, both from SIU.
Snyder has worked in various capacities at SIU, initially in the Office of University Risk Management, and later returning to pursue her master’s degree. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIU Carbondale, specializing in workforce education and development and public health, respectively. Before her current role, she served as program director at the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, overseeing initiatives such as the NonProfit Network, GiveSI, and the Southern Illinois Leadership Institute.
To learn more about the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.
