James R. Hackney, Jr. joins Yale Divinity School as Senior Development Director

New Haven, CT—Yale Divinity School has announced James R. Hackney, Jr. ’79 MAR will join the administration as Senior Development Director. Hackney comes to Yale from fundraising consultancy Alexander Haas and will direct fundraising operations and strategic development outreach for the Divinity School.

James R. Hackney, Jr. brings over 30 years of experience in the fundraising field. Formerly the Director of Development for Wofford College and then the Director of Development and Marketing at the Mint Museum of Art, Jim has been a consultant for the past 18 years with the Atlanta based fundraising firm, Alexander Haas.  Since 2004, Jim has been Managing Partner and has directed campaigns and helped clients all over the United States raise over $800,000,000.  In 2011 he was appointed an Envoy for the U. S. Department of State and sent to Greece to educate NGOs on how to raise private dollars in the economic downturn.  Jim received his MAR from Yale Divinity School in 1979 and his BA from Wofford College. An avid collector of studio craft, Jim is a trustee of the American Craft Council. A native of Lexington, North Carolina, he grew up in the United Methodist tradition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim back to YDS,” said Dean Gregory E. Sterling. “He brings years of outstanding experience, and the promise of meeting the present and future financial needs of our students and programs.”

Hackney joins the staff as YDS continues to work toward fulfilling its long-held commitment to expanding financial aid for students. As senior development director, he will work to link a strong network of alumni supporters and visionary leaders to help YDS prepare our students to serve the church and world.