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Ms. Ward

Ms. Ward, senior consultant, joined Academic Search in 2004, from an independent development and external relations consulting practice serving universities, nonprofit organizations and foundations. Previously, she was the Executive Associate Director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, one of 14 national centers established to gain further knowledge about human development and developmental disabilities. The Waisman Center is the largest inter-disciplinary biomedical and behavioral research center within the University’s Graduate School.

As Executive Associate Director, Ms. Ward directed financial, development, government relations, outreach, and management functions and served as a member of the Waisman Center's leadership team.  Between 1994 and 2001, the team directed the planning and private fund raising for a $26 million building addition to house gene and stem cell research, brain imaging and early childhood programs.

Ms. Ward also served as the Associate Vice President for State Government Relations for the University of Wisconsin System between 1984 and 1994. During this time, she simultaneously served for two years as the Acting Vice President of University Relations, the senior external relations advisor to the President and Board of Regents.

Throughout her career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin System, Ms. Ward had close working relationships with the two university foundations and the alumni association. She worked closely with the media and with campus and system communications offices.  In addition, she chaired and served on numerous search committees for senior university positions.

Ms. Ward currently serves on the Board of Directors of National Guardian Life Insurance Company and Voices for America’s Children.  She is also a member of the Women’s Advisory Board of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital.

Ms. Ward received her bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her masters in political science from the University of British Columbia.