Bringing Passion and Experience to USM’s Top Advancement Role

Vanessa Nerbun was named USM’s chief advancement officer in October 2024, having previously worked as the director of annual giving and alumni relations, and executive assistant to Steve Hancock.

On the surface, Vanessa Nerbun’s early career as a television news reporter may not have much in common with her current role as USM’s chief advancement officer (CAO). But in fact, many skills that she gained in front of the camera—the ability to think on her feet, to problem solve, to cultivate trust, and to listen carefully—continue to serve her well.

“I love that we can tell a very compelling story and back it up with great data on the successes of our students and ultimately, our graduates,” said Nerbun. “But what I really love about this role is that I’m able to foster meaningful relationships, build deep connections, and share the USM story with people who already love this place as much as I do.” 

USM announced Nerbun’s hire in October 2024, although she had been at USM since 2013, when she joined the school as the director of annual giving and a lumni relations. In that role, she successfully solicited and closed many five- and six-figure major gift commitments for the Our Common Bond campaign, and organized and executed the I.C.E. (Innovate, Create, Excel) Ball, that campaign’s signature fundraising event. Previously, she worked in fundraising for the United Performing Arts Fund, Vision Forward Association, and Special Olympics Wisconsin.

In June 2022, Nerbun transitioned roles to serve as the executive assistant to the head of school at USM, in part to serve as a liaison between that office and the school’s Advancement office in preparation for a future campaign. “Working so closely with Steve gave me a perspective of the school that I could never have imagined, and it prepared me so well for the CAO position. It allowed for great synergy between the Advancement office and Head of School office.” 

Nerbun and her husband, Andy, have two sons, Bret ’23 and Drew ’26. Having also been a parent at the school has helped her to see it in a new light. “Our oldest is now off at college, thriving, and he often attributes his ability to handle his hard classes at Milwaukee School of Engineering to the experience he had here. And again, watching my youngest mature and grow from when he started here in 2nd grade to now in his junior year, I’m so grateful to have had this experience. It’s hard to put into words what differentiates USM, but there is a secret sauce here that is really remarkable. And I’m excited to get to work on fundraising initiatives that will make the student experience that much better.”