Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College President Tracy Brundage announced on May 20 the appointment of Dr. Raymond E. Carnley as the college’s next vice president of External Affairs.
Carnley brings over twenty years of experience in higher education advancement, fundraising, governmental relations, and institutional strategy. He has held leadership roles advising college presidents and governing boards and has been involved in campaigns that have secured more than $275 million in philanthropic support and contributed to fundraising efforts totaling over $2 billion.
Most recently, Carnley served as principal and senior vice president with Winkler Consulting Group, where he advised organizational leaders on advancement strategy, governance, and external relations. His previous positions include vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Foundation at Middle Georgia State University. There he led fundraising initiatives, cultivated relationships with legislators and community leaders, implemented branding initiatives, and increased foundation support. He has also worked with Georgia Highlands College, Presbyterian College, Emory University, and Habitat for Humanity International, among others.
As vice president of External Affairs at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Carnley will join the president’s senior leadership team overseeing advancement efforts such as fundraising initiatives; alumni and donor engagement; government relations; corporate partnerships; oversight of the ABAC Foundation; external relations; and advising the president on partnerships supporting ABAC’s mission.
A focus for Carnley will be strengthening connections with alumni to support student success and institutional growth through relationship-building strategies involving donors, community leaders, faculty members, staff members, and other stakeholders. “ABAC’s mission, values, and commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers deeply resonate with me,” Carnley said. “I am honored and excited to join President Brundage and her leadership team and look forward to working alongside alumni, donors, community partners, faculty, and staff to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the industries and communities they will ultimately serve.”
Keri Jones—a Stafford School of Business alumna who serves on the ABAC Foundation Board—said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Carnley to ABAC and eager for his leadership in External Affairs. The ABAC Foundation’s impact on student success, particularly through scholarships, has become synonymous with the ABAC experience. We are proud that 55% of ABAC students graduate without student loan debt—and we know strong leadership & strategic partnerships will help us continue expanding opportunities for future generations.” According to the official website, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College stands out for its affordable tuition; first-class facilities including J.G. Woodroof Farm & Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village; participation in eight intercollegiate sports within national associations; hands-on learning opportunities in healthcare & business fields; annual recognition programs honoring outstanding alumni such as former President Jimmy Carter.
