Meet Northwestern’s new AVP of alumni engagement and executive director of the NAA

Lindsay Vahl Dean has been appointed Northwestern’s assistant vice president of alumni engagement and executive director of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA).

An accomplished alumni relations leader, Vahl Dean had served as the NAA’s interim executive director since October 2023.

“Over the last nine months, I have seen firsthand Lindsay’s effective, dynamic leadership,” said David Lively (’26 P), vice president for Alumni Relations and Development. “She has fostered a culture of innovation and commitment to excellence within the NAA through her collaborative approach and remarkable ability to bring together different constituencies and build consensus around common goals.”

Vahl Dean will be responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the NAA, which represents more than 260,000 Northwestern alumni worldwide.

“Lindsay brings creative, impactful approaches for meaningful engagement of our global alumni community,” said NAA board president and Northwestern trustee Albert Manzone ’93 MBA (’18, ’22 P). “The NAA will continue to benefit greatly from her thoughtful, inspiring leadership and her expertise collaborating with alumni volunteers.”

According to Lively, Vahl Dean’s leadership in the interim role has been instrumental in driving many initiatives forward, such as expanding the global alumni networking night known as “Northwestern Connects,” rolling out new email marketing and event registration tools, revitalizing components of the alumni travel program, as well as planning the inaugural NAA town hall and annual meeting, which will bring alumni across the world together with Northwestern President Michael Schill.

Before joining Northwestern in March 2023, Vahl Dean spent more than a decade at Illinois State University, her alma mater, serving in several alumni engagement leadership roles.

Shortly after the announcement of her new role, Vahl Dean talked with Northwestern Now about alumni relations work, her own college experience and the future of the NAA.

What is it about the alumni experience that attracts you to this work?

One of my first jobs was in admissions at Illinois State, and I remember, early on, that process of learning how to leverage my own alumni status to get involved with the institution in a new way. It really helped propel my career. It taught me how to connect with people and let them be who they are, which allows them to engage no matter where they are in their personal journey.

What was your college experience like?

My grandmother encouraged me to go to college and, for the longest time, I was the only one in my family to graduate. My daughter graduated in May from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is enrolled in graduate school this fall. Also, I have two sons pursuing bachelor’s degrees.

When I went to college, obviously I did not have all the answers. But I received support in so many ways. I was very involved as an undergraduate. I had alumni mentors. I made relationships with people I still confide in today, because they know me best. These relationships have transcended time.

You’ve been praised for your early efforts here in fostering meaningful engagement with alumni. What does that look like?

Meaningful engagement is just about meeting alumni where they are. If someone is younger and they have a lot more time, maybe they want to get into board or committee work or join an alumni club to meet new people. If they have young children, are we doing any kid-friendly programming? Or, if they’re further along in their career but lacking in free time, maybe mentorship could strike the right balance. It’s just finding the right fit at the right moment to make sure we provide them a path to broadening their relationship with their alma mater.

How can people get involved if they’re not already?

The NAA has thousands of volunteers who help fuel new connections and meaningful experiences for our alumni everywhere. This fall, we have many alumni events on campus, off campus and around the world, beginning with our virtual town hall on Aug. 21. Plus, you can register now for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.