Kenneth J. Ferrone, formerly chief development officer and executive director of the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation in Grand Junction, Colo., has been selected as New Mexico State University's associate vice president for development.

"Ken has been successful at every level of the profession, and I'm confident that pattern will continue at New Mexico State University," said Dennis Prescott, NMSU vice president for university advancement and president of the NMSU Foundation.

Ferrone, who will start at NMSU Oct. 22, has more than 25 years of development experience. In his previous position he was responsible for overall fundraising and volunteer services programs as well as management of the Wooden Horse gift shop and Rose Hill Hospitality House. He also managed the foundation's Board of Trustees and committees. His development team raised more than $1.9 million in 2011, an 80 percent increase compared to 2010, and increased their donor base by 68 percent.

Ferrone also has considerable experience in fundraising for higher education, having worked in the development offices of Chapman University in Orange, Calif., the University of Southern California, the University of Chicago and the University of Colorado Foundation. Accomplishments during his higher education fundraising career include securing a $35 million donation, which renamed the University of Colorado's Business School, being recognized by Business Week for significantly increasing alumni giving while at the Anderson School at UCLA, and most recently, winning a national award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for building a highly successful major gift program while at Chapman University. In his higher education career he has raised more than $80 million.

"It is a great honor and privilege to be joining the New Mexico State University advancement team," Ferrone said. "I'm looking forward to working with Aggie alumni, volunteers, staff and the community to support the mission and goals of the university. My family and I are also excited to be coming home to New Mexico where we have deep roots and strong family ties."

Ferrone has a bachelor's from the University of New Mexico and a master's from Gonzaga University.