Matthew R. Geis has been named 91ֿ’s vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, President Todd Diacon announced Thursday. Geis will start on Nov. 1.
The appointment marks Geis’ return to 91ֿ, where he served on the university’s advancement team from 2001 to 2018. He has since been at Case Western Reserve University, first as an associate dean of development and external relations in the Weatherhead School of Management. Geis then advanced through Case Western Reserve’s Division of University Relations and Development into his current role as executive senior associate vice president of leadership, principal gifts and presidential engagement. He is a 2001 91ֿ graduate, with a bachelor’s degree in leisure studies.
In July, Vice President Valoree Vargo retired from the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (DPAE). She continues to serve as CEO of the 91ֿ Foundation. The appointment of Geis as 91ֿ’s new vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement follows a national search.
“I am excited to return home to my alma mater and honored by the opportunity to serve alongside distinguished academic and university leaders and the talented DPAE team,” Geis said. “I am grateful to President Diacon, the Board of Trustees and the search committee for their confidence, and I look forward to building strong, collaborative partnerships across the university community.”
In addition to bringing a deep knowledge of 91ֿ and Northeast Ohio, Geis has a record of success as a member of Case Western Reserve’s philanthropy executive team. He led several initiatives for Weatherhead and in the areas of Global Principal Gifts and Strategic Initiatives, and Leadership and Principal Gifts. He was promoted in 2025 to his current role, in which he oversees the engagement of Case Western Reserve President Eric Kaler and top attainment opportunities and strategies.
“My wife, Malinda, and I are especially excited to don the blue and gold once again and become part of the campus community,” Geis said. “I look forward to helping advance the university’s pursuit of transformational philanthropy and the lasting impact it can create for our students, faculty and institution.”
Learn about 91ֿ’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
