Robert Young, Katherine Herron Hired for Office of Advancement Positions

Young hired as vice president for advancement, Herron hired as major gift officer and grants coordinator

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to share exciting news regarding two strategic hires in the Office of Advancement: Robert (Bob) Young, who will serve as vice president for advancement, and Katherine (Katy) Herron, who will serve as major gift officer and grants coordinator.

Following a national search, Bob Young has answered the call to serve as a senior leader at Huntington University in the role of vice president for advancement. Young brings over 14 years of experience in institutional fundraising, donor strategy and team development across higher education — including Christian institutions — and nonprofit ministries. For the past ten years, he has served as senior gift officer and priority project coordinator at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he was a major gift officer at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Young holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management from Messiah University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic leadership. Before transitioning to nonprofit fundraising, he spent 20 years in the banking industry. Throughout the search process, Young demonstrated a strong alignment with Huntington’s mission and expressed a deep desire to lead with integrity and build a Christ-centered advancement team.

“Bob Young brings both seasoned leadership and a servant’s heart to this critical role,” said Dr. Rob Pepper, president of Huntington University. “His years in banking and advancement have equipped him with a strong foundation in strategic decision-making, team development and relationship building. Combined with his unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education, Bob is a valuable addition to the President’s Cabinet and Strategic Leadership Team. I’m confident his leadership will help advance the mission of Huntington University in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Katy Herron (1994) rejoins the Forester Family as the University’s major gift officer and grants coordinator. Herron will focus primarily on fundraising while also helping to identify and pursue grant opportunities for the University.

Herron earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting communications with a minor in business management and was active in HU’s theatre community during her undergraduate years. She brings a well-rounded background in sales, training and development, fundraising and public relations. Most recently, she served as director of donor and public relations at Community Crew in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. With deep roots in Northeast Indiana, Herron is thrilled to return to the Hoosier State and serve her alma mater.

“Katy’s return to Huntington is a full-circle moment that speaks to the enduring impact of Christian higher education,” said Dr. Pepper. “As an alumna, she brings a personal passion for HU’s mission, and her professional experience — spanning both the nonprofit and corporate sectors — equips her to cultivate meaningful connections with donors and partners who care deeply about the future of this institution. Her desire to give back to the University that was so formational in her life reflects the kind of purpose-driven leadership we strive to foster in all Foresters.”