Amber MacKenzie Joins Cornerstone University as Vice President for Advancement
Cornerstone University is pleased to welcome Amber MacKenzie as its new Vice President for Advancement, effective April 21, 2025. MacKenzie is a seasoned fundraising leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit advancement. She has a strong history of engaging alumni and corporate donors, developing long-term relationships, and leading successful mission-driven fundraising campaigns.
Throughout her distinguished career, MacKenzie has served in advancement leadership roles at several prominent institutions, including Ferris State University, Davenport University, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University.
“Amber MacKenzie brings deep expertise in development strategy and operations, an inspiring vision for philanthropy, and complete alignment with Cornerstone’s Christ-centered mission,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “Her leadership will be essential in expanding Cornerstone University’s impact on students, our community, and higher education.”
MacKenzie has also held national fundraising positions with the American Red Cross and served as Senior Director of Relational Fundraising at Bethany Christian Services, where she helped increase annual contributions to a record $19 million.
“I’m thrilled to begin this new role at Cornerstone University,” MacKenzie shared. “It’s an incredible privilege to join a Christ-centered community committed to equipping students to live out their faith and lead with purpose. With God’s guidance, I look forward to building meaningful relationships with Cornerstone’s students, faculty, staff, and donor community, and working together to strengthen and expand the mission of Cornerstone for generations to come.”
MacKenzie holds a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology from Western Michigan University. As Principal of MacKenzie Consultants, she has also provided strategic guidance to churches and nonprofit organizations, helping them grow fundraising capacity and donor engagement.
