Brian Powell '03
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) named Grove City College Senior Director of Development Brian Powell '03 as District II Professional of the Year for 2026.
Powell directs fundraising for Grove City College, leading a team of gift officers and working directly with donors to secure the funds necessary to continue to offer students an academically excellent, Christ-centered, affordable education.
He accepted the award, which recognizes institutional advancement professionals who demonstrate excellence in their work and service to their communities, at a recent CASE conference in Boston.
“Every day I'm reminded that advancement work is ultimately about people - about listening well, stewarding trust, and connecting generosity to mission. We raise funds - but more importantly, we raise impact that will live on long after we're gone,” Powell said.
Vice President for Advancement Jeff Prokovich ’89 hailed Powell as a proven professional whose work has had a significant and substantial impact on the College and those who support it.
“Brian’s commitment is to the well-being of the donor, always looking for programs and opportunities that will bring them the most joy. This approach, in turn, provides the College with resources that change the lives of our students,” Prokovich said. “He goes above and beyond with every relationship to ensure that donor intent is met and that the students that benefit understand the passion and philanthropy of the donors.”
In addition to launching several innovative fundraising programs at the College during his tenure, Powell has taken the lead in an ongoing town-gown revitalization initiative funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
“Brian’s role as a development professional crosses all borders and boundaries and strategically positions the College and the community in meaningful ways for maximum impact,” Prokovich said.
Powell graduated from Grove City College with a degree in Communication Studies and minors in French and Religion. He holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education from Geneva College. He started his career in 2004 as a development officer at Grove City College and held several advancement roles at Carnegie Mellon University before returning to his alma mater in 2014.
CASE is a global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—and championing education to transform lives and society. District II covers the mid-Atlantic states and Ontario.