[Boston Architectural College](https://theorg.com/org/boston-architectural-college/team) (BAC) has appointed [Heather Sullivan](https://theorg.com/org/boston-architectural-college/team/heather-sullivan) vice president for institutional advancement. Ms. Sullivan will oversee the College’s Institutional Advancement operations in areas of development, fundraising, alumni affairs, advancement services, and grants.

"Heather's skill in alumni engagement, communication, and professional development have prepared her well to connect with BAC alumni, firms, and friends as well as our students and staff who are so vital to advancing our mission," said BAC president [Dr. Mahesh Daas](https://theorg.com/org/boston-architectural-college/team/mahesh-daas). "I am confident the College's investment in an innovative institutional advancement platform will thrive under Heather's leadership―along with her ability to strengthen our extensive network of alumni and partners who have been instrumental in building this platform."  

Ms. Sullivan most recently served as executive director of philanthropy at Merrimack College, where she had a key role in supporting more than $64 million of donations for a range of causes. She has more than 20 years of experience working in philanthropic ventures, and demonstrated expertise in aligning resources to maximize fundraising and engagement opportunities. 

"I strongly believe in the power of higher education to transform lives and the power of philanthropy to bring opportunities to all," said Ms. Sullivan. "I am particularly enthused to work for the BAC, a college with a deep commitment to providing excellence in design education and practice to an inclusive, diverse community."

Boston Architectural College hires Heather Sullivan as VP for Institutional Advancement

08585 Boston Architectural College, also known as The BAC, is New England's largest private college of spatial design.

Education

Boston Architectural College

Nancy Finn

M. Victoria (Vic) Liptak has devoted her professional practice to developing excellence in design education. She believes sustainable human habitation of our shared planet depends on equity and inclusion in higher education and in the spatial design professions.

Prior to joining the BAC, Dr. Liptak was Chief Academic Officer at Kendall College of Art and Design, Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brooks Institute in Ventura, California; and at Woodbury University in southern California. Prior to these appointments she served as Associate Dean of Woodbury's School of Architecture.

In her earlier roles as shop master, adjunct instructor, and ranked fulltime faculty, Vic taught architecture and design studios and interdisciplinary seminars. She has consulted for colleges and universities on curriculum design, new program development, and accreditation and assessment, most recently at [Sonoma State University](/org/sonoma-state-university).

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from [UC Santa Cruz](/org/uc-santa-cruz); a Master of Architecture from the [Southern California Institute of Architecture](/org/southern-california-institute-of-architecture) (SCI-Arc); and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the California State University's joint program at CSU Channel Islands and [Fresno State](/org/fresno-state).

Her research interests include systems inquiry and design processes, teaching and learning in beginning design studio, and the synthesis of critical thinking and creativity through the practice of making. Dr. Liptak has also studied and taught abroad in France and Turkey, and recognizes the crucial human connections across diverse populations.

M. Victoria Liptak

Sydney Leo has over 30 years of experience serving commercial, non-profit and HBCU educational institutions, including [Carnegie Mellon University](/org/carnegie-mellon-university), [Harvard University](/org/harvard), NOVA Southeastern University, [Bucknell University](/org/lombahdo), [Tufts University](/org/tufts-university), [Savannah College of Art and Design](/org/savannah-college-of-art-and-design), Oxfam International, [General Motors](/org/general-motors), Sony, Disney, and more.

Prior to the BAC, she was the National Higher Education Advisory Leader at BDO USA, LLP. She also held the position of Vice President of Finance and Administration at [Fisk University](/org/fisk-university) and Hartwick College. Sydney has worked with organizations on a wide range of issues related to Strategic Planning, Financial Sustainability, Operational Excellence and Improvement, Technology Improvement, Advanced Analytics and Benchmarking, Alternative Revenue Planning and Implementation, and Compliance and Risk Management.

She received a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from [Bentley University](/org/bentley-university); a Master of Science in Finance & Accounting from [University of Hartford](/org/university-of-hartford); and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from [Smith College](/org/smith-college). 

Sydney Leo

Heather Sullivan has more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, and is recognized for her ability to align institutional resources to maximize fundraising and create meaningful engagement opportunities.

Prior to the BAC, she was the Executive Director of Philanthropy at [Merrimack College](/org/merrimack-college). During her tenure over six years at the College, she also held the position of Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns. Heather played a pivotal role in the College's first comprehensive fundraising campaign while leading a team of professionals overseeing annual, major and planned giving. She was instrumental in helping to secure more than $64 million in support of endowed scholarship, capital, athletics, and research initiatives. Heather also brings significant experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, helping to revitalize strategic grant seeking programs at both [Babson College](/org/babson-college) and Joslin Diabetes Center.

She received her Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Master in Business Administration from Saint Mary's University.

Heather Sullivan

James Ryan is the Vice President of Enrollment Management of the [Boston Architectural College](/org/boston-architectural-college). He works to provide leadership, management, and supervision for the recruitment and retention of students at all levels of the BAC. The division provides student services through the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Scholarships and Awards, the Registrar, and the Office of Admissions. James focuses on developing and implementing strategies to better integrate student services offices and works closely with the offices of Advising and Student Affairs to design programs to improve retention and graduation rates.

James received his bachelor's degree in history from [Providence College](/org/providence-college) and his master's degree in diplomacy from [Norwich University](/org/norwich-university). He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities and International Relations at [Salve Regina University](/org/salve-regina-university), focusing on global ethics and human security. His dissertation focuses on the historical use of force against non-state actors in international law. Prior to joining the BAC in 2009, James was the director for Programs and Special Projects and chief of staff for the dean of Student Affairs at [Tufts University](/org/tufts-university). He also served as research assistant to Alfred Rubin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Law at the Fletcher School at [Tufts University](/org/tufts-university).

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Boston Architectural College hires Heather Sullivan as VP for Institutional Advancement

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