DETROIT – The Wayne State University Division of Development and Alumni Affairs announced the appointment of Chacona W. Johnson to the new position of associate vice president for principal gifts and executive vice president of the Wayne State University Foundation. Johnson will begin in her new role on November 5, 2012.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chacona Johnson to Wayne State,” said WSU President Allan Gilmour. “She brings tremendous experience and leadership skills to our fundraising team, as well as a commitment to Wayne State and the city of Detroit.”

In her new position, Johnson will help lead the university’s principal gift activity while providing mentoring and leadership to Wayne State’s major gifts team.

“As we advance the university’s commitment to excellence in education and research, fundraising will play an increasingly important role,” said David Ripple, vice president for Development and Alumni Affairs. “With her experience, Chacona will help further engage our alumni and friends and grow their support for our highest aspirations for Wayne State and its commitment to the community.”

Johnson has an extensive background in higher education and fundraising. Most recently she was president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, following a long and impressive career at the University of Michigan. She began her tenure in 1984 as the area director of the Campaign for Michigan and was regional director of the major gifts program, senior associate director for major gifts and director of principal gifts. From 1997 to 2003, she was chief of staff to the president and associate vice president for development. In 2008, she retired from the University of Michigan as associate vice president for development.

Johnson has had a strong presence in the Detroit community throughout her career. She has been a consultant to the Hudson-Webber Foundation and has held several positions at New Detroit, Inc., including director of the Black Applied Resource Center, director of Clean and Safe Education and director of Youth Development. She also is a member of the board of directors of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

“I am committed to supporting the continued growth and rebirth of the city of Detroit,” Johnson said. “It will be a pleasure to contribute to that as a part of Wayne State University, working with its outstanding alumni and friends in the community.”

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Augustine’s College and a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio State University.

Wayne State University is one of the nation’s pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and throughout the world.