UMass Amherst Foundation
Mary-Knight Young is an accomplished development professional with extensive experience in higher education and healthcare fundraising. Currently serving as Chief Development Officer and Senior Executive Director for the College of Engineering at UMass Amherst Foundation since May 2023, Mary-Knight previously held the position of Assistant Dean of Development for the College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from April 2020 to May 2023. Prior experience includes roles such as Senior Director of Development at Penn Medicine, Director of Development at Temple University Health System, and Director of Special Projects at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. Mary-Knight's career began in 1999 as an Office Assistant at Philadelphia Weekly, with progressive roles in development and external affairs, underscoring a strong foundation in arts and education administration. Mary-Knight holds a BA in History of Art from the University of Pennsylvania and has attended the University of Florida and other esteemed educational institutions.
UMass Amherst Foundation
The UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) helps the University realize its mission of access, affordability, and excellence. Established in 2003, the mission of the UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) is to support private fundraising on behalf of the faculty, students, and facilities of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The foundation is an independent, privately governed nonprofit located on the Amherst campus. UMAF provides a bridge between donors and the schools, programs, faculty, and students that make up the university. We help to match caring people with meaningful opportunities that support both UMass Amherst’s mission and the personal objectives of our donors.