Bush School Dean Mark Welsh announced that Christi Voelkel has joined the Bush School staff as Assistant Dean for Strategic and Developmental Planning. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Voelkel also holds a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and has more than eighteen years’ experience in marketing and communications, including advocacy, public and media relations, strategic planning, and community and development relations in both the public and nonprofit sectors.
Voelkel comes to the Bush School from the George H. W. Bush Presidential Foundation, where she served as Senior Director of Programming and Communications. She was responsible for strategic planning and execution of all Foundation events and communications efforts as well as for facilitating collaborations with other related entities, including the Bush School and other Texas A&M affiliates. She also worked directly with the former president’s office on initiatives, events, and media on behalf of President Bush. She served as the lead for the highly successful “Deep From the Heart: One America Appeal” event featuring all five of the former presidents, which raised more than $43 million in support of hurricane relief. She was also a leader in the planning and execution of the Texas A&M and Bush Foundation roles in the funeral of Mrs. Barbara P. Bush.
Voelkel’s wide-ranging experience included the creation of the Lily Voelkel Foundation, which supported deaf and blind individuals and their families. In addition to fundraising, she also developed the organization’s website, donation portal, marketing, and giving plans. While at Texas A&M Galveston, Voelkel established the first of its kind development communications manager position, working with the university’s leadership to support strategic initiatives for the university.
As assistant dean, Voelkel will be responsible for planning and implementing the School’s strategic and long-range goals, incorporating the vision of Dean Welsh, the faculty and staff, and other administrative units. She will also coordinate and support the School’s alumni and donor relations activities and will develop outreach initiatives that reflect the School’s academic and service goals.
Voelkel said she looks forward to working with the faculty, the administration, staff, and students to advance the Bush School.
“I am honored to join the team at the Bush School. I look forward to supporting the strategic alignment of the faculty and staff to pursue the distinctions of best in class in education and example amongst public service institutions,” Voelkel said. “I passionately support the timeless creed of President George H. W. Bush—that to engage in a cause greater than oneself makes better the lives of others. This sounds simple but is life-changing; and the Bush School’s faculty, staff, students, and graduates are a positive reminder that the spirit of our great nation is alive and well.”
“I am delighted to have Christi as a member of our Bush School leadership team,” said Dean Welsh. “Her experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors will be invaluable as we continue to develop plans and resources to support the School’s mission.”
