Carol Furlong, an established community leader with deep roots in the nonprofit community and executive level leadership experience, is the Oakland Community College Foundation’s new Executive Director.
Furlong will lead the College’s fundraising efforts, working to grow and nurture its community of supporters and friends and lead fundraising surrounding the College’s 50th anniversary. Long term, she will lead the organization as it transforms from a scholarship-raising body to one focused on capital gifts to fund key aspects of the student experience.
“Carol brings a track record of success and strong leadership to the OCC Foundation,” said OCC Foundation Board Chairman David Ong. “She has a diverse business and non-profit background, which makes her a unique asset to OCC. She has managed multimillion-dollar budgets and has major gift, corporate sponsorship and grant acquisition experience.”
As Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of Operations for CARE House/Child Abuse Council of Oakland County, she raised significant dollars in new funding and major gifts, garnered the support of major corporations, managed grants and delivered on major capital projects.
As Executive Director of the American Red Cross, she built a comprehensive blood donor development program, growing regional collections from 150,000 to 220,000 blood pints a year. She spearheaded major organizational and process improvements, resulting in a dramatic turnaround of the underperforming nonprofit. She also received national recognition for contributions by an executive-level employee.
“As a highly-visible, public institution deeply committed to serving the local community, OCC is thrilled to have found someone whose own dedication parallels that of the College’s,” said Chancellor Timothy R. Meyer. “We believe her background, skills and personal attributes are a great fit for OCC and the Foundation.”
Furlong was born and raised in Southeast Michigan and has been a resident of Oakland County for 30 years. An active community member, she has volunteer experience with a number of organizations including Youth for Understanding, South Oakland Homeless Shelter, St. Owen Catholic Church, Catholic Outreach Committee, Pontiac Schools and the Bloomfield Hills School District Music Department. She has a Bachelor and Associate degree from Northwood University in Midland.
“I am honored to lead the OCC Foundation and join the esteemed faculty, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board and staff at Michigan’s largest community college,” Furlong said. “Its mission to provide top-notch, affordable education leading to jobs, advanced degrees and culturally enriching opportunities is one I feel passionate about. It is through affordable, accessible education that we can make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives.”
The Oakland Community College Foundation was established in 1979 to raise private donations, increase opportunities for students and enhance the quality of education at the College. Gifts support students through scholarships, equipment purchases and program development. The OCC Foundation is governed by a board of directors made up of volunteer community leaders.
Source: OCC
