June 25, 2012

Krieger School names associate dean for external affairs

Debra Lannon, an experienced fundraiser and longtime member of the Johns Hopkins community, has been appointed associate dean for external affairs for the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. She will lead the school’s development, stewardship and communications efforts.

Lannon began her career at Johns Hopkins in 1987 at the School of Professional Studies in Business and Education (now the Carey Business School and the School of Education) before moving in 1989 to the Whiting School of Engineering, where she rose to director of development. While at Engineering, she secured numerous gift commitments, including the Rome Deanship. In 2009, Lannon moved to the Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, where she worked on special projects and served as interim associate dean for development and alumni relations for the Berman Institute of Bioethics, the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing. Most recently, Lannon has been managing the Krieger School’s transition period between associate deans.

“During this process, we realized that Deb is perfectly suited for the position,” said Katherine Newman, dean of the Krieger School. “She brings a deep understanding of Johns Hopkins and the Homewood schools, strong management skills and a passion for the mission of the school. Deb has exceptional judgment and a level of integrity and professionalism that allows her to build and sustain outstanding relationships both internally and externally.”

Lannon says that she is pleased to be filling the associate dean position on a permanent basis. “In the months that I’ve held the interim position at the Krieger School, I have been so impressed with the expertise of the faculty and also with the many innovative initiatives under way. I look forward to working closely with Dean Newman and others as we plan and carry out the upcoming capital campaign.”