Staff

Juan McGruder, Ph.D.
VP for Advancement
[email protected]
(404) 364-8330

Juan is the Vice President of Advancement at Oglethorpe University. Previously he served as SVP & Chief Development Officer at Junior Achievement of Georgia. Juan completed a doctorate (Ph.D.) in education and human development at Vanderbilt University, where his research included HBCUs and institutional advancement. McGruder earned a master’s (Ed.M.) at Harvard University in administration, planning and social policy. He holds a master’s (M.A.) in counseling and human development from CAU, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University and a Certificate in Romanesque and Gothic Architecture in Britain and Europe from the University of Cambridge, England. His baccalaureate (B.A.) is in political science/pre-law from Clark College. He also holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) international professional designation.

Juan is married to Dr. Henraya F. McGruder, an Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in the United States Public Health Service (PHS) and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Spelman College. They have two children, Alexander and Hailey, who attend Westminster Schools – Atlanta.

Thania M. Saintil, CAPM, CSM, ASAP
Coordinator, Advancement and Special Initiatives
[email protected]
(404) 364-8338

Thania works to ensure the advancement team has the support and resources they need to succeed. She specializes in being resourceful and developing project strategies.

During her time in college at Florida International University, Thania was interested in business operations and event planning. When she was later hired as an administrative assistant for the Dade County School Board, she learned about project management and knew this is where her professional future would take her. In the 25 years where she has made project management a part of her skill set, she has worked with teams at Georgia State University, Nova Southeastern University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Temple University, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

When she’s not planning events, Thania enjoys upcycling furniture, all things Marvel, dining out and watching documentaries. She currently lives in Marietta, GA with her husband, son, daughter and mom.

Kate Bobb, JD
Director of Engagement
[email protected], (404) 504-1020

Kate is the Director of Engagement at Oglethorpe University. Kate is an attorney with a background in non-profit management. She worked for over 10 years at an Atlanta-based non-profit providing services to victims of gender-based violence. Kate received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications and History from Elon University and a Juris Doctorate from Elon University School of Law. She is a member of the Georgia and North Carolina State Bar Associations. In her spare time, Kate enjoys traveling, exploring the Atlanta restaurant scene and spending time with her family.

Jason B. Zwang, CFRE
Senior Director of Development
[email protected]
(404) 504-3470

Jason provides leadership and strategic vision for major, special, and planned giving at Oglethorpe University, specializing in expanding the depth and breadth of relationships to advance important initiatives of alumni and the university through philanthropy. He previously served as Director of Development at Emory University School of Medicine and Habitat for Humanity International. Jason holds a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and is pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Connecticut. Jason also holds a B.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Connecticut and holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) international professional designation. Jason is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serves as a Mentor for the Diversity Fellows program and is also a Coach for Altruicity, a fundraising strategy and management firm empowering Jewish nonprofits based in Jerusalem serving Jewish clients around the globe.

Jason and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Southeast Atlanta and have identical twin girls, Sarah and Samantha.

Kathryn Ethridge Henderson ’17
Associate Development Officer
[email protected]
(404) 364-8439

Kathryn graduated from Oglethorpe with a degree in communication and rhetoric studies and a minor in nonprofit management. After graduation, Kathryn remained actively involved with Oglethorpe and served on the Young Alumni Committee as a volunteer. In 2019, she returned to Oglethorpe as a member of the Advancement Office staff. Previously, Kathryn served as the Major Gifts Officer at the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and Database Manager for Families First. She is an active member of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals serving on their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee and the National Philanthropy Day Committee.

Kathryn and her husband, Nathan, live on the Westside of Atlanta with their son Marshall and dog Huck. As an Atlanta native, Kathryn enjoys taking advantage of all the local social and cultural entertainment Atlanta offers, particularly the incredible restaurants and breweries. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

John Daniel Tilford
Curator of Collections and Development Associate
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
[email protected]
(404) 364-8552

A native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, John completed his bachelor’s degree in art history at the University of Memphis while interning at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. He obtained his master’s degree in the history of art at Balliol College at the University of Oxford. He was awarded a fellowship at the University of the South in 2006 before being appointed Curator of Special Collections in 2011. He began his appointment at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art in Atlanta in 2013 and was promoted to Curator of Collections in 2015. During his tenure at OUMA the museum’s permanent collection has grown by more than 600%. His research interests focus on underserved voices and unspoken narratives. Notable exhibitions include Hattie Saussy: Rediscovery of an Artist (2017) and Mattie Lou O’Kelley: The Long Journey to Success (2022). He also serves as supervisor of the museum’s inaugural visual artist-in-residence program as well as being an Adjunct Professor of Museum Studies.

Durba Chatterjee
Senior Director of Advancement
[email protected]
(404)-364-8476

Durba has over twenty years of experience in higher education fundraising. She has extensive experience with prospect development, database management and has a data-driven perspective for fundraising strategies and planning which has helped her secure some transformational gifts for her former employers. Durba has worked for small private undergraduate universities, large state universities, system office administering the entire technical college system of Georgia and now at an independent K-12 institution. Durba also has the experience of working at institutions at various phases of campaigns and leadership changes.

Durba completed her first MBA from the University of Burdwan, India, and her second MBA from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She has been a member of numerous professional and community organizations and enjoys professional and personal networking. She has been a member and a volunteer for CASE, AFP and APRA and AASP and has served on the APRA-GA board as Vice President and Program Director. She loves sharing her professional experience by presenting at CASE, AFP and AADO.

In her spare time, Durba enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking and traveling.

Durba Chatterjee
Senior Director of Advancement
[email protected]
(404)-364-8476
(see details above)

Elizabeth “Liz” Mills
Associate Director of Prospect Management and Research
[email protected]

Elizabeth “Liz” Mills is the Associate Director of Prospect Management and Research at Oglethorpe. Using best practices and database analysis, she works closely with Operations and Development teams to identify potential major and planned giving opportunities. She most recently served as Assistant Director of Prospect Research at Emory University. Liz holds two bachelor’s degrees from the College of Charleston in history and Spanish and completed a master’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a member of APRA-GA and completed a certificate in Prospect Research from APRA International.

Liz and her husband Dan live in Decatur with their son Whit and rescue pup Ginny. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Saurav Bhandary
Manager, Advancement Operations
[email protected]

Saurav joined Oglethorpe University as the Development Services Specialist in May 2019. He is a Nepali citizen and was born and raised in Meghauli, Nepal. Saurav is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College (USA) with a degree in Economics, and he currently holds the designation of Blackbaud Certified in Raiser’s Edge (bCRE-Pro). He has previously worked at Birmingham-Southern College, the UNA-USA Greater Birmingham Chapter and most recently at Atlanta International School. He is actively involved in the local nonprofit community and serves on the Board committee for SABHA, Inc. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time volunteering, hiking, playing soccer and traveling.

Emily Yeh
Data Entry Specialist
[email protected]

Emily graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Computer Science and a concentration in Graphics & Human-Computer Interaction. She previously worked as an administrative assistant at the Career Advancement Center at Georgia State University, where she discovered her passion not only for helping students, but also for exploring data for insights and creating data visualizations. In November 2022, she joined Oglethorpe University as the Data Entry Specialist. Outside of work, she enjoys learning Spanish, dancing and playing piano.

[email protected]

The alumni team is able to assist with any questions related to the Alumni Association, events or reunions. If you have questions, or would like to get involved, please contact our office.

Kerry Ayres-Smith
Associate Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement
[email protected]

Kerry graduated from Agnes Scott College in 2014 with a degree in history, and has held numerous positions in nonprofits including event management, database management and annual fund fundraising. In addition to her work experience, her professional development includes a Raiser’s Edge certification, and prior participation as a Diversity Fellow with the Atlanta Association of Fundraising Professionals. Kerry is passionate about helping others and has invested her time in the community through several initiatives, including Lekotek of Georgia. An Atlanta native, Kerry enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2-year-old French bulldog, baking and cheering on the Atlanta Braves.

Michelle Geiger, APR
Director of Philanthropic Communications
[email protected]
(404) 364-8348

Michelle directs and supports the communications initiatives of the advancement team in collaboration with colleagues across the university. She has extensive communications and marketing experience in educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Michelle brings expertise in advancement communications, admission marketing, brand development and communications planning and management. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University and a master of education degree in higher education and student affairs from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a graduate certificate in nonprofit management and received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia chapter and previously co-chaired its accreditation committee.

Jazmin Rainey
Associate Director of Philanthropic Communications and Special Events
[email protected]

Jazmin works to inspire and deepen engagement with Oglethorpe alumni and friends through meaningful storytelling and tailored events. Jazmin previously worked in Oglethorpe University’s Office of Admission and has served in many other capacities across higher education. She is passionate about building relationships and being a force for good, especially as it relates to student success.

Jazmin grew up in Lilburn, GA. She holds a BFA in Communication from Valdosta State University and a MS in Communications from Syracuse University. In her spare time, Jazmin enjoys traveling, cycling, escaping reality by watching reality TV and spending time with family, friends and her dog, Pisces.