Gustavus Adolphus College has announced two new executive leadership appointments: Laura Bowman as Vice President of Advancement and Tracy Hegapemene as Vice President of Finance & Campus Operations and CFO. Both began their roles at the start of the fall semester.
“Both leaders join Gustavus at a pivotal moment as the College prepares to launch Gustavus Unbound, its new strategic plan and comprehensive campaign. Together, Bowman and Hegapemene will play key roles in aligning the resources, relationships, and institutional capacity needed to advance the College’s ambitious vision for its future,” said President John Volin.
Bowman will lead a multi-year strategy to expand philanthropic support, deepen alumni engagement, and strengthen the College’s long-term future. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, she will partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on campaign strategy, major gifts, donor stewardship, and new philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
“In this search, I was looking for a true partner who could help bring the vision of Gustavus Unbound to life by building the philanthropic support necessary to make it possible,” said Volin. “Laura quickly stood out for her proven fundraising success, her deep commitment to relationships and donor stewardship, and her genuine enthusiasm for Gustavus. I am excited to work alongside her as we expand what is possible for generations of Gusties.”
Hegapemene will oversee the College’s financial and administrative functions, including finance, facilities, payroll, as well as the functions that keep the campus running, such as Campus Safety, Facilities, food services, the bookstore, and other auxiliary services. She will play a central role in aligning institutional resources with strategic priorities while strengthening Gustavus for long-term sustainability and growth. Her work will include refining budget models, strategic forecasting, and advancing a more data-informed approach to decision-making.
“Tracy brings exceptional financial and organizational experience, but what stood out just as strongly was her enthusiasm for higher education and her genuine commitment to the Gustavus community,” said Volin. “She understands that strong financial stewardship is ultimately about creating the capacity to advance our mission. Her experience, energy, and strategic perspective will make her an important partner as we move Gustavus Unbound from vision to action.”
Bowman has served in leadership roles at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System for the last 12 years, most recently as Associate Director of Development. Prior to that she served in leadership roles at various local United Way organizations. Bowman is often described as a servant leader who prioritizes team development, cross-sector partnerships, and community engagement in her work to drive philanthropic growth.
Serving most of her career in southern Minnesota, Bowman holds a Masters of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from St. Mary’s University. She also has received Academic Appointment at Mayo Clinic as Instructor of Health Care Administration.
“I am thrilled to be joining Gustavus Adolphus College, an exceptional institution grounded in strong values and a longstanding commitment to providing a world-class education,” says Bowman. “As someone who grew up in southern Minnesota and continues to call this area home, it is especially meaningful for me to contribute to the success of an organization that has such a profound impact on its students, alumni, and communities.”
Hegapemene has served as the Vice President and CFO of Metropolitan State University, and the Deputy Commissioner, CFO, and COO of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. She brings strong leadership skills to translate an institution’s vision into organizational strategy and create transformational change. She has demonstrated expertise in strengthening financial stewardship, improving operational effectiveness, and positioning organizations for long-term success.
Hegapemene holds a Masters of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Finance and a Master of Arts in Management degree with an emphasis in Change Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Northwestern College.
“I am so excited about joining the team at Gustavus,” says Hegapemene. “I have so many fond memories of being on campus when I was a youth. I have missed being on a college campus and the energy of the campus buzzing with students. Gustavus has such a good reputation and is embarking on an exciting season. I am very much looking forward to being a part of making the strategic vision a reality.”
Bowman and Hegapemene join Gustavus as the College enters an important new chapter. Their complementary leadership in philanthropy, finance, organizational strategy, and relationship-building will help provide the capacity needed to advance Gustavus Unbound and strengthen the College for the future.
President Volin extends his heartfelt gratitude to Ann Sponberg Peterson for her interim leadership of the Advancement department, those who took time to meet with each candidate and offer feedback, and the search committees. Their work over the summer in guiding these important searches is appreciated.
Please join us in welcoming Laura Bowman and Tracy Hegapemene to the Gustavus community.
