In the latest move to round out his extensive staff of vice presidents, President John Simpson has appointed Marsha Henderson to the newly created position of vice president for external affairs.
Currently serving as the Western New York district president for KeyBank, Henderson, a UB alumna, returns to UB with an accomplished resume and will start at the new position Sept. 26.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to get back on campus," Henderson said.
According to Henderson, President Simpson created the post to unify UB's community relationship front.
"President Simpson was looking for someone to oversee different responsibilities that have existed at UB that no one person has worked on in the past," Henderson said. "He feels this is a more organized approach in getting things done."
In her new role, Henderson will be responsible for oversight of the university's offices of advancement, fundraising efforts, news services, marketing, alumni relations, communications, government affairs and public relations.
According to a press release, Henderson will coordinate UB's outreach activities and initiatives within the external community it serves. The release also said she will be in charge of building and maintaining effective governmental relations at the local, state and federal levels.
Henderson said she feels her experience in the Western New York area will benefit her career at UB.
"I think it is good to have the perspective of someone who has remained here," Henderson said.
The search for a vice president of external affairs was an extensive process that drew candidates from across the country, unlike some of the other in-house searches President Simpson has done.
Henderson said she originally took part in the evaluation of candidates, but then became interested in the newly created position. Henderson will be leaving her position as the Western New York district president of KeyBank, a position she has held since 1998.
"My role at KeyBank was an externally focused role," Henderson said. "A lot of my work was how to market KeyBank."
Henderson added that her experience dealing with KeyBank's regional relations would also translate to success at UB.
"I have a network of acquaintances after more than 30 years of business experience," Henderson said.
Although she does not directly work with students, Henderson said she hopes she can engage students in getting more involved.
"I am anxious to get into the role and experience UB from the inside," Henderson said. "I hope I can contribute to the great energy on campus."
Henderson earned her bachelor's degree in geography at UB and has continued to strengthen her relationship with UB throughout the years.
Some of Henderson's accomplishments include serving on the UB Foundation Board, where she is treasurer of the board of trustees, and she is chair of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Board of Directors. In 2004, the UB School of Management named her Niagara Frontier Executive of the Year.
Henderson also was named among the top 47 "Women of Initiative" by the international Profile in Diversity Journal in 2005.
She has received numerous honors for her professional leadership and community service, including recognition by Buffalo Business First in being among the 40 most influential Western New York residents. Henderson was elected to the board of the National Women's Hall of Fame, was appointed by Governor Pataki to the Commission Honoring the Achievements of Women, and has been named to the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame, according to a press release.
Dennis Black, vice president for Student Affairs, said he is excited for the Henderson's arrival as a new UB vice president.
"Marsha Henderson is very accomplished, supportive, and a great campus leader," Black said. "She is no stranger to Buffalo, UB, and success."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
