Cassidy Tapped to Lead The Campaign for Villanova
Campaign Chairman Discusses Strategies for Leading the University’s Fundraising Efforts

Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, University President, and Robert M. Birmingham ’66, Chairman of the Board of Trustees have jointly announced the appointment of Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63 as the Chairman of its new fundraising effort, Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova.  In this role, he will provide leadership in all areas of Campaign activity, including fundraising, volunteer recruitment and reaching key goals and benchmarks.  He will be an important leader in publicly presenting Campaign objectives on behalf of the University.

“Gerry Cassidy was a natural choice to fill this important role,” said Fr. Dobbin.  “The success of The Campaign for Villanova is vital to ensure the long-term vitality of our University.  I am confident that with Gerry as its leader, The Campaign will meet its ambitious goals and secure Villanova’s position among elite institutions of higher education.”

Gerald S.J. Cassidy is Founder of Cassidy & Associates and Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Cassidy Companies, Inc., the largest integrated public affairs and government relations network in the world.  The Cassidy Companies Inc. consists of six companies: Cassidy & Associates, Inc. (a government relations firm), Powell Tate (a public relations and financial communications firm), The Rhoads Group (a commerce-oriented government relations firm), SWR Worldwide (a public opinion research firm), Bork & Associates, Inc. (a litigation communication firm) and Murphy Pintak Gautier Hudome Agency, Inc., (an advocacy advertising and strategic consulting firm). Clients include Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, regional companies, start-up enterprises, states and state agencies, trade associations, other major interest groups and non-profit institutions. 

 He has gained widespread recognition for creating Washington’s number one integrated government relations and public affairs firm and the city’s number one firm in billings.  He has been profiled by such publications as Washingtonian Magazine and the New York Times, and Forbes Magazine has recognized him in its annual list of the Power 100.

Cassidy is a seasoned member of the University’s development team and leads its efforts in Washington, D.C. to secure funding from government sources, resulting in nearly $10 million in grants and contracts for the University for projects in areas such as microwave research.  He is a valued public relations and policy advisor and has been active in Villanova’s strategic planning efforts.  His past roles at the University have included membership on the Steering Committee for The Villanova Campaign and the Chairman’s Task Force for Resource Planning, while he currently serves as University Trustee and member of the Board’s Development and University Relations and Physical Facilities Committees.  During the last campaign, Cassidy established an endowed faculty chair at the University, honoring teaching excellence in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“I am pleased that Gerry has assumed this role in the new Campaign,” commented Robert M. Birmingham ’66, outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees and chairman of The Villanova Campaign.  “This effort needs a visible and visionary leader who adds a national presence to our activities.  Gerry’s involvement is sure to add energy to The Campaign for Villanova and will ensure its success.”

In addition to his role as Campaign Chairman, Cassidy will also serve as the Chairman of The Steering Committee, which is comprised of key alumni, parents, and friends and is charged with setting goals, benchmarks and policies for The Campaign.

“As I considered the opportunity to lead this important initiative on behalf of the University, I weighed many factors,” remarked Cassidy.  “Ultimately, I recognized the level of support already in place from the President, the Board, the staff and the other volunteers and considered the timing of undertaking such an ambitious fundraising effort.  These elements, as well as the significant pre-Campaign planning that has taken place, have made me confident that our goals will be met and, in turn, has strengthened my commitment to the Campaign and to Villanova.”

"I am honored and pleased to accept this position," continued Cassidy.  "Villanova holds a very special place in my heart and I am privileged to serve the institution and its community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends in this capacity.  I look forward to working together with Father Dobbin and the members of the The Steering Committee to make sure that this Campaign secures the resources necessary to provide a top-notch education in a world-class learning environment."