Villa Maria College is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther Annan as its Special Assistant to the President for Philanthropy. In this key leadership role, Annan will oversee the College’s philanthropic strategy, working closely with President Matthew Giordano, Ph.D., and Vice President for Development Mary Robinson to cultivate relationships and secure support that advances Villa Maria’s mission.
Annan brings over 20 years of experience in the health and human services sector, grantmaking, and fund development. Most recently, she served as Program Officer at The John R. Oishei Foundation, leading community engagement strategies centered on racial equity and systems change.
Throughout her career, she has successfully built partnerships across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors to drive meaningful social impact.
“This position is vital for achieving the fundraising goals we’ve outlined in our new strategic plan,” said President Giordano. “Our recent fundraising successes have proven to us that continued growth is very possible, that our story is compelling to donors, and that there is much more potential for fundraising gains. This new position allows us to increase our fundraising capacity, and Esther is a great fit for the role. Her extensive background in community engagement, fundraising, and philanthropy aligns perfectly with our mission. She is a proven leader with a deep commitment to equity, advocacy, and transformative change, making her an invaluable addition to our team.”
Annan’s career includes pivotal roles at Say Yes to Education Buffalo, where she served as Program Director, and various positions in social work, juvenile justice, and mental health advocacy. A licensed master social worker, she holds a Master of Social Work degree from SUNY Buffalo, specializing in children and youth services.
Recognized for her leadership, Annan has received numerous accolades, including the Walter P. Cooke Community Leadership Award, Black Icons of Buffalo Honoree (2025), and the Grantmakers in Health Emerging Leaders Fellowship (2022). Her extensive board and civic service further reflect her dedication to empowering communities.
“I am committed to fostering positive change and I am eager to leverage my experience to deliver immediate impact for the Villa Maria and greater Western New York communities,” said Annan. “My extensive experience and deep commitment to cultural competency and trauma-informed care empower me to cultivate trusting relationships with diverse communities. I look forward to creating meaningful connections with stakeholders while prioritizing grace, collaboration, and transparency, ensuring that our collective efforts yield lasting benefits for all.”
Annan will play a key role in strengthening donor relationships, securing major gifts, and enhancing the College’s fundraising initiatives to benefit students and the broader community.
