Amy Cooney, University Advancement

Amy Cooney is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of expertise in advancement, brand marketing, and product development. A dynamic and values-driven leader, she brings a powerful combination of strategic acumen, cross-sector experience, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work. As the Vice President of University Advancement, Amy provides strategic leadership and oversight of advancement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and capital campaigns. Her focus on donor engagement, major gifts, and portfolio strategy has led to year-over-year fundraising growth and increased institutional visibility.

Amy’s passion for operational excellence has been a catalyst for growth using data-driven strategies to enhance philanthropic support. Her collaborative leadership extends across departments and organizations, including serving on the President’s Cabinet and mentoring students.

Before her role in higher education, Amy built a robust career at AgStar Financial Services (now Compeer Financial), where she held multiple leadership roles. As Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications, she led a team of professionals, overseeing strategic marketing, corporate communications, market research, and product development. Her visionary leadership contributed to significant impact on key market strategies and financial results through integrated marketing efforts. Amy pioneered AgStar’s CRM and digital marketing strategies and played a key role in branding, client insights, and cross-functional initiatives. She also led enterprise-level projects, such as CRM implementation, online banking systems, and strategic client service model development.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota and is pursuing her MBA at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her professional development includes training from elite institutions like the Kellogg School of Management and the American Management Association, with a strong emphasis on strategic marketing, fundraising, and leadership.

Amy and her husband have four children. She actively supports community youth programs, including 4-H, adaptive skiing and riding programs, and other sports organizations.