Rebecca Gentry

Rebecca is a fundraising and communications executive with proven experience in capital campaign planning, strategic planning, integrated communications strategies, national and regional partnership development, board development and relations, individual, corporate and foundation fund development, media relations and messaging, donor relations and stewardship, sponsorship, training, and event strategy and execution. She believes in creatively connecting people to ideas and initiatives and leading through strategy and relationships.

As an executive leader in the University’s Division of University Advancement, Rebecca oversees campaign strategy (including for the recent historic $1 Billion-plus “Here, We Go” Campaign), as well as special projects and strategic planning, and leadership volunteer engagement and programs. Previously, she oversaw strategy for the donor engagement programs, which included development communications, donor relations and recognition, stewardship and donor events, and annual giving. She also manages fundraising and external engagement activity for the System-wide Public Art Program.

Rebecca joined the University of Houston in 2013 and was selected to participate in President Renu Khator’s inaugural cohort of leaders for the ProPel Leadership Program in 2019. Throughout her career, she has held executive advancement leadership positions in museums (Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design), historic homes (George Washington’s Historic Mount Vernon), and non-profit organizations and foundations (National YoungArts Foundation) in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Miami. She is an alumna of Advancement Resources’ International Academy of Advancement Leaders Program.

Rebecca received her bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and completed certificate work at the Reynolda House Museum of Art. She is active on local, regional, and national boards for her alma mater and a variety of charitable organizations, as well as philanthropic industry committees. Her engagement includes board or leadership positions with His Grace Foundation, the Junior League of Houston, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Wake Forest University Alumni Council, Girls Inc., and Impact 100 Houston.