Codner joins Elon’s Office of University Advancement from Bucknell University and will lead efforts to grow the tradition of philanthropic support among Elon’s constituents.
Stephen “Steve” Codner, whose fundraising experience includes leadership roles at Bucknell University and Elmira College, has been named Elon’s new director of annual giving.
As the leader of a six-person annual giving team, Codner will help foster a culture of philanthropy and engagement among Elon alumni, students, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends. He will also provide oversight to key initiatives such as Elon’s class reunion program, student calling efforts, senior class giving campaign and appeals strategy.
“Steve brings a wealth of experience to Elon’s annual giving program,” said John H. Barnhill ’92, assistant vice president for university advancement. “His ability to work collaboratively and implement creative annual giving strategies makes him a wonderful fit for the role. I look forward to watching him engage Elon’s constituents as partners, advocates and investors.”
Codner began duties on Jan. 4 and comes to Elon from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as interim director of the annual fund. In that role, Codner helped achieve a record-breaking fiscal year for the university and implemented a successful day of giving program that brought in more than 4,000 donors in one day. Prior to that, he served Elmira College as director of annual giving following more than two decades of working as a music educator and performer in New York.
“Being a product of higher education through the generosity of others, I am an advocate for philanthropic support to learning institutions and the value it brings to the student experience while on campus and beyond graduation,” Codner said.
Codner holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mansfield University, as well as master’s degrees in music and communications from Ithaca College. He is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is also an avid runner who has completed multiple half-marathons and 10 full marathons around the country, including the Boston Marathon in 2010.