ISU Foundation Head Steps Down

PRESS RELEASE

The President of the , Dan Saftig, will step down effective today. This decision comes as newly appointed President Steven Leath continues to shape his role and assemble his executive leadership team.

Under Saftig’s nine years of leadership, the ISU Foundation has generated more than $1 billion in gifts and commitments, including $867 million during the most successful fundraising campaign in Iowa State history, Campaign Iowa State completed June 30, 2011.

“Dan has done an outstanding job building an excellent organization and creating a spirit of giving among Iowa State supporters worldwide,” says Marla Franklin, chairwoman of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors. “As we move forward, we will continue to build on that legacy and tradition of giving that has been established.”

Under Saftig’s leadership the Iowa State University Foundation was named one of the top 20 nonprofit organizations to work for in America by NonProfit Times magazine, and recognized as a top workplace in Iowa by the Des Moines Register. Saftig is also credited as a dynamic and collaborative leader working to strengthen the ISU Foundation’s fiduciary and governance activities.

“I’m extremely proud of what the staff and volunteers of the ISU Foundation have accomplished to advance this very special university,” said Saftig. “It has been my family’s privilege to be a part of the Iowa State community during these very productive years.”

The Foundation Board has appointed Dr. Labh Hira, retiring Dean of the College of Business at Iowa State, as the Foundation’s Interim President. Commencing today, Mr. Saftig will work with Dr. Hira to ensure a smooth transition. The search for a new Foundation President will begin immediately.

“Focusing on the Foundation’s future is the most important task at hand. The work and the commitment of the Foundation will move onward, inspiring philanthropy and encouraging partnerships for a great tomorrow,” said President Leath.

The Iowa State University Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to securing and stewarding private gifts and grants that benefit Iowa State University. For more information about the Foundation, please visitwww.foundation.iastate.edu.