KINGSTON—March 25, 2025—The University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) has announced the appointment of Mark Antonucci, Ed.D., as its new chief executive officer and vice president for advancement. In this role, Antonucci will work to advance the mission of URI by leading all aspects of URIFAE, which include managing the University endowment, generating philanthropic support, and providing engagement opportunities for more than 140,000 alumni.
The CEO and vice president for advancement will be a member of President Marc Parlange’s senior leadership team and collaborate with the provost, deans, and senior administrators to advance URI’s strategic priorities. This position will also work closely with the URIFAE Board of Directors and the URI Board of Trustees.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark into this pivotal role,” said Parlange. “Now an R1 research institution and the number one public university in New England, URI is delivering on its mission to serve its students, the state, and the broader community. We have momentum, and our success is deeply rooted in the strength of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We have so much more ahead of us—and we’re confident that Mark will help lead the way.”
Antonucci brings significant leadership experience from highly regarded public universities. As senior vice president for advancement and strategy at the Rutgers University Foundation, he oversaw a substantial increase in annual fundraising and strategically aligned Rutgers’ multi-billion-dollar campaign with the university’s values. During his time at the Arizona State University Foundation, he contributed to a tripling of their annual fundraising performance and a successful completion of their first billion-dollar campaign.
“After a competitive national search, we are confident that we’ve found the right person to lead the next era of growth for the Foundation,” said Raymond M. Williams ’87, chair of the URIFAE Board. “We have seen remarkable transformation over the last several years, capped off by the success of our $300 million comprehensive campaign. We look forward to continuing that momentum with new energy to advance the University and serve our alumni.”
A committee of University and volunteer leaders conducted the search process. Along with Williams, the search committee included Alfred J. Verrecchia ’67, M.B.A. ’72, Hon. ’04, former chair of the URIFAE Board of Directors; Margo L. Cook ’86, chair of the URI Board of Trustees; Armand Sabitoni ’73, vice chair of the Board of Trustees; Sandra G. Parrillo M.B.A. ’93, member of the URIFAE Board of Directors; Provost Barbara E. Wolfe; and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Jeannette E. Riley.
“Looking at what URI has achieved in recent years, along with the amazing potential for growth in new areas, I knew this institution and its community was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Antonucci. “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about what we can accomplish together. I look forward to working with President Parlange, the team at the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement, and the University’s many alumni, friends, and partners.”
Antonucci is a native of Rhode Island and earned a B.S. in marketing, cum laude, at Quinnipiac University. He went on to earn his Ed.D. at Arizona State University. He has taught college courses, published writing on philanthropy, and been actively involved as a volunteer in his local community.