CSM Foundation Welcomes Jeane Wharton as New Executive Director

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) announces the appointment of Jeane Wharton as the new executive director of the CSM Foundation – the fundraising branch of the college that promotes academic excellence, growth, progress, and the general welfare of CSM by raising and managing scholarship funds to support student success. Wharton, a resident of Lexington Park, joins the CSM team Sept. 23. 

“Jeane has a proven track record in fund development and strategic planning,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. “With extensive experience in nonprofit administration, advocacy, and program management, she has consistently driven growth in membership, donor engagement, and community impact. We welcome her contributions to CSM’s student-centered mission.”

“I am truly honored to join the exceptional team as Executive Director of the CSM Foundation,” said Wharton. “I am inspired by President Wilson’s leadership and the vision of the Foundation to transform student’s lives and enrich our community.”

A skilled relationship builder with a strong desire and passion for nonprofit organizations, Wharton brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience to CSM. She previously served as the executive director for a global agriculture council, an executive vice president for a state home builders association, and recently served as the assistant director of development at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, where she supported graduate students and research by fostering partnerships through collaboration with donors, foundations, and corporate stakeholders. 

Wharton also successfully created and implemented strategies to achieve fundraising objectives, exceeding expectations in a habitat restoration campaign. She revitalized the North American Butterfly Association’s brand image, expanded its membership, and increased donor engagement by 40 percent. Her commitment to civic engagement and service leadership includes volunteering in several capacities, including sea turtle egg rescue in Mexico, medical missions to Nicaragua and Mexico, and hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean with her husband Charlie. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.

In announcing Wharton’s appointment, Wilson – who also serves as the CSM Foundation’s secretary and treasurer, thanked CSM Foundation’s Interim Executive Director Toni Kruszka, ‘11.

“Toni’s leadership, dedication, and steady guidance during this transitional period – and throughout long-serving tenure with the foundation – have been invaluable to CSM faculty and students,” shared Wilson, “I am excited Toni will continue in her leadership role as CSM Foundation’s director of development.” 

To learn more about the CSM Foundation, please visit https://www.csmd.edu/foundation/index.html.