Principal
Brief info
Principal
Email: [email protected]
Ian F. McCray, Principal, is a seasoned search professional who brings more than two decades of experience in higher education advancement, independent school administration, nonprofit leadership, and executive search. Ian has successfully recruited for searches across a variety of roles in the education sector, including advancement leaders and staff, deans, and CEOs, among others.
Prior to his return to search in 2021, Ian served in senior fundraising and alumni engagement roles at Middlebury College, the University of Vermont Foundation, Bennington College, and the Shelburne Museum. In his fundraising capacity, Ian managed prospect portfolios with philanthropic capacity ranging from six to eight figures. In his various roles, he built relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to advance strategic priorities through major gifts, leadership annual giving, and planned giving commitments. In addition, Ian has deep experience partnering with academic leadership to secure philanthropic support for research and academic initiatives. In his previous roles, he led fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and membership initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Ian worked in executive search with Diversified Search and Korn Ferry International, specializing in recruiting senior leaders for higher education and healthcare organizations. He also served as Director of College Counseling at Chestnut Hill Academy and held several positions in admissions and alumni relations at Middlebury College.
Ian lives in Vermont with his wife and children, and in his spare time, enjoys hiking, skiing, golf, and ice hockey.
Ian earned his B.A. in History from Middlebury College.