Andria Cunningham appointed chief executive officer of the Foundation for Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College has appointed Andria Cunningham as chief executive officer of the Foundation for Palm Beach State College and vice president of advancement following a national search. In this dual role, Cunningham will oversee all philanthropic initiatives for the college, develop donor engagement strategies, and guide alumni relations and external partnerships in support of student success and institutional growth.

Cunningham brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, community engagement and higher education leadership. She served as assistant vice president of advancement and community relations at Nova Southeastern University, where she led major gift initiatives, community partnerships and military affairs, and served as liaison to the university’s Ambassadors Board.

“Andria brings a depth of experience in philanthropy, relationship-building and strategic vision that aligns perfectly with the college’s mission and future goals,” Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker said in a statement. “Her proven track record in securing major philanthropic support and engaging diverse communities will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation and the college’s impact across Palm Beach County and beyond.”

Cunningham joined Nova Southeastern University in 2015 as senior director of development for the Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where she exceeded fundraising goals. She was later promoted to executive director of development and alumni engagement, and then to executive director of transformational gifts, leading a team focused on securing gifts of $1 million or more.

In addition to her administrative work, Cunningham was an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern, teaching graduate courses in major gifts, planned giving and endowment building.

Prior to her time at Nova Southeastern, Cunningham held fundraising and community relations roles with the Broward Health Foundation, Florida Panthers Hockey Club, and Henderson Behavioral Health, supporting community health and youth development initiatives throughout Broward County.

Cunningham holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in social work from Barry University. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive, a credential held by a select number of fundraising professionals globally.