Berkeley Divinity School at Yale has welcomed a new Director of Advancement, Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan comes to us - and back to Yale - from a distinguished career in fundraising and finance that has included stints at Yale’s School of Management, the Mt Sinai Health System, and most recently at Quinnipiac University where he has headed advancement for the University’s health area.

Jonathan is a graduate of the Juilliard School, in voice, and also of Yale’s School of Music. A lyric tenor, he has retained his interest in and practice of vocal arts (not least as tenor section leader at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield for many years), but moved into work with alumni relations and fundraising with Yale’s Development office after graduating here in 2004.

Dean Andrew McGowan has welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to have someone of Jonathan’s caliber and experience join us at Berkeley. We are particularly glad to have a colleague whose expertise is accompanied by a sense of the faith and vision that animates our work on behalf of the Church and the Gospel.” 

Jonathan believes that “this opportunity to align one’s own spiritual and professional life in a place like Berkeley is truly once-in-a-lifetime. I am excited to share the story of Berkeley’s impact on humanity, and the tremendous importance of philanthropy to spiritual and moral leadership.”

As director of advancement Jonathan will oversee all aspects of fundraising and alumni relations, working with BDS staff and an energetic group of trustees and other volunteers committed to the work of equipping Berkeley for its future.

Jonathan Taylor succeeds Pamela Wesley Gomez, who retired at the end of June after 21 years of service to Berkeley. Pam will consult for BDS this coming year on alumni planned giving.

Berkeley was assisted in the search by Cavan Executive Search.