Following a comprehensive national search, Adler University has named Christopher Toft as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. He will assume the role today, March 7.

“Chris is an accomplished fundraiser and leader,” said Adler President Raymond Crossman. “We have a strong foundation for him to build upon. He will bring a new perspective to our advancement strategy and lead progressive initiatives to support our students, faculty, and staff.”

As Vice President, Toft will be responsible for spearheading initiatives to grow philanthropy at Adler through individual and corporate giving for the University’s Chicago, Vancouver, and Online campuses. He will also serve as a member of the University’s Senior Team and Cabinet.

Toft joins Adler with more than 25 years of experience leading and implementing fundraising and philanthropy initiatives.

He most recently served as the Vice President of Development at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he raised more than $55 million over nine years. In this role, he oversaw all fundraising activities, including setting strategies, leading cultivations, and planning and implementing their capital campaign. He also initiated and recruited the President’s Advisory Council, managed and advised the work of their 20-member Development Council, and provided philanthropic guidance to the hospital’s Governing Council.

Prior, he served in fundraising and leadership roles for the Music Institute of Chicago, David Hoffman’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. Toft has also served as a trustee for Kenyon College and is currently a member of their Campaign Leadership Committee.

Toft completed his bachelor’s degree in theater from Kenyon College and earned his master’s in creative writing from Eastern Washington University.