David Howse, an experienced figurehead in organizational and communicative leadership, will become the vice president of Emerson’s Institutional Advancement division, ensuring the continuity of the college’s search for the next president.  

As the newly-appointed vice president, Howse will lead the college’s advancement, fundraising, and alumni engagement efforts, working to advance the college’s mission along with other external constituencies. 

Howse, who also serves as vice president of the Office of the Arts and executive director of ArtsEmerson, assumed his new position on Oct. 18, as announced by the college.

“It is said that service is the rent that we pay to live on this earth,” Howse wrote in a statement to The Beacon. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the Emerson community in this new assignment.” 

IA will be instrumental in the college’s search for the next president, Howse said, as the department will contribute to building a solid foundation for a new president. 

“By ensuring we maximize the results of fundraising campaigns and continue to find new and exciting ways to engage with our alums,” IA is able to certify their progress in the presidential search, Howse said.

Howse will work closely with the division’s current leadership of advancement professionals, including Amy Tamburino, senior associate vice president of Advancement Administration. Tamburino has managed department operations over the last several months.

Together with the IA team, Howse will work to align the department’s goals and initiatives with the college’s strategic priorities.

Since 2015, Howse said the work of the Office of Arts and ArtsEmerson has redefined the Boston theatrical landscape and is a “model for civic transformation, artistic exploration, and community engagement right in the heart of Boston.”

Additionally, the Arts team aligns its work with diverse, inclusive and innovative community engagement to enhance the development work done on behalf of the college.

“Our team provides Emerson students, faculty, and staff with a breadth of diversity in the art that is unlike anywhere else,” Howse said. 

As vice president, Howse said he will tap from his experience of service and commitment with supervision of the Office of Arts and ArtsEmerson. 

“There is a tremendous opportunity here to advance our fundraising work and the opportunity for diverse, inclusive, and innovative community engagement that will benefit our Emerson community,” he said. 

Howse recognizes the IA department has a number of opportunities ahead of it, and the engagement of students and the interest of alumni to give back to the college is “incredibly encouraging.”

“I am very excited to work more closely with the IA team, the faculty, staff and students, as well as the administration and Board of Trustees and Advisors to realize those opportunities and inspire a culture of philanthropy and community engagement that will benefit the college now and for future generations of Emersonians,” he said.