Tim Valentine directs the School-based alumni engagement strategy at New York University working with Alumni Directors and Academic Deans to set priorities, design programs, and increase connections. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Alumni Relations for the NYU School of Professional Studies where he created new traditions with reunion programming, department and division based alumni societies, and global connections in India.

Tim has increased engagement through reunion and homecoming programs, alumni awards, signature events, and student and recent alumni programs. In addition, he has developed identity-based affinity clubs, the NYU Student Alumni Council, and redesigned Alumni and Families Weekend with new expertise in virtual and hybrid event planning. Tim has been in higher education for 17 years with additional background in arts administration, professional theatre, living-learning communities, academic enhancement programs, and career services. Tim holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Virginia University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University.

Natalee Ellars is the senior executive director, alumni engagement at UC San Diego. She leads the Alumni Engagement team which includes university-wide alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, regional engagement, student engagement, alumni relations, alumni marketing and digital outreach. 

Natalee’s prior advancement experience includes more than 10 years at UCLA Alumni in leadership roles as Senior Director, Events and Business Development; Senior Director Marketing and Membership; and Executive Director. She has been recognized for her management of numerous UCLA Alumni Days, including the most recent Centennial celebration; serving on the taskforce for the UCLA External Affairs CRM system; establishing the UCLAONE online alumni portal; as well as leading the marketing and membership teams through their transition to an “all-in” engagement model.

Passion for data and reporting is a legacy of Natalee’s first career, a decade in financial services. That passion is equally matched with her genuine care for people and building community. Natalee has a strong foundation in marketing and communications and is best known for her ability to lead through challenges with creativity and a positive attitude.

Natalee is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in History and Organizational Psychology. She and her family are avid travelers and supporters of the arts.

Raeanna has been with Vanderbilt University for 7 years, with previous experience in the entertainment industry. She serves as the Assistant Director for Student Alumni Engagement where she oversees the Life After Vanderbilt Series, the Student Alumni Board and young alumni programs. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Mass Communications and an MBA from Lipscomb University. In her free time, she enjoys HIIT training 6 days a week, cooking, and spending as much time with her dog nephews, Murray and Mr. Bojangles, as she can.