Rebecca “Becky” Watson of Birmingham has been named Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB). Watson will be responsible for developing, leading, and directing the overall development strategy and community engagement in support and advancement of AIDB’s mission and fundraising strategic plan.

“We are pleased to have someone of Becky’s background and experience join our senior leadership team,” said AIDB President, John Mascia, Au.D. “Becky has an extremely successful background in fundraising and developing relationships in the statewide community. Becky’s professional experience combined with her genuine heart for ministry and the mission of AIDB will make her a valuable addition to our team.”

Watson comes to AIDB from Gadsden State Community College where she served as a resource development officer. Prior to Gadsden State, Watson was at Troy University where she served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, Senior Director of Major Gifts, and as Vice President/Secretary of Troy University Foundation. While at Troy University, Watson was responsible for securing Troy’s two largest individual gifts in its history at $1.5 million and $2 million. She also solicited and brought to the university the largest planned gift to date at $10 million. Prior to Troy University, Watson was the owner of RVW Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, business development, fundraising, and market research. Watson has also served at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) as Associate Vice President for Alumni and Annual Giving and Executive Director of the UAB National Alumni Society. While at UAB, Watson was responsible for significant growth in alumni giving and membership. Watson is a graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Corporate Research. Watson has been involved with numerous professional associations and boards throughout Alabama.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to work with Dr. Mascia and his team to help lead the development, marketing, and community relations efforts at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind,” said Becky Watson, Executive Director, AIDB Office of Institutional Advancement. “AIDB has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of so many in our state and nation and I look forward to helping tell these wonderful success stories to all of our donors, supporters, friends, families, and others who care deeply about the education of people who are deaf, blind, and deafblind.”