Shawn Poland has been appointed associate vice-president of college advancement at Cambrian College.

Poland is currently the executive director of the Cambrian Foundation. He will take over his new post Jan. 4.

Poland, who joined the Cambrian Foundation in 2004, brings a wealth of experience to this new portfolio, which encompasses fundraising, college marketing and communication, and alumni relations, according to a college press release.

As executive director of the Cambrian Foundation, Poland brought in a student-centred fundraising focus, spearheaded the foundation’s first Strategic Plan and Performance Scorecard, and furthered the synergy between the Cambrian Foundation and Cambrian College.

Prior to joining the Cambrian Foundation, Poland held several positions. He was business development officer for the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation and marketing director for Cinefest Sudbury.

Over the years, Poland has been involved in a number of local and provincial committees, including the Canadian Unity Council, the Ontario College Committee on Advancement, the Laurentian University Alumni Association, and the Laurentian University Board of Governors.

Poland holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Humanities, both from Laurentian University. He is currently completing a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota.

“I am delighted to welcome Shawn to this new portfolio,” said Cambrian president Sylvia Barnard, in the press release.

“This is a diverse portfolio that is strategic to the college’s operation. Shawn’s expertise and experience encompass all aspects of the advancement model, and his proven leadership skills with be invaluable as he brings fundraising, marketing, communication, and alumni together in a unit focused on positioning and relationship building. We are looking forward to working with Shawn in this new capacity.”