The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Board of Trustees approved the employment of Donald J. Preiss as the executive director of the Co-Lin Foundation and Director of Alumni Affairs at the Wesson campus, effective April 8, during this month’s board meeting.

Preiss received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a master’s degree in counseling and personnel services from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Preiss served as a development officer at USM, where he was responsible for research and cultivating major gift donors on behalf of the university. His other recent work experience includes two years as a sales manager for Howard Technology and seven years as the coordinator of recruitment for USM.

“We are very pleased to have D.J. Preiss as the new director of the Foundation,” Co-Lin president, Dr. Ronnie Nettles said. “He brings with him proven fundraising experience in higher education and he has exciting ideas about how to further grow our Foundation at Co-Lin.”

Preiss served his community as an active member of Pinebelt Young Professionals, the Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership and as a member of Venture Church where he serves as a small group leader and assists in numerous production and technical roles. He is married to the former Nicole Kemp of Madison and has a seven-year-old daughter, Emily.

“I’m incredibility grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the Co-Lin family and look forward to working diligently with the Foundation and Alumni Affairs team, the Foundation Board of Directors and Dr. Nettles to meet the mission of the college and its Foundation,” Preiss said. “I am eager to work with our donors and friends that provide much needed support for our students, faculty, and staff.”

Preiss replaces David Campbell, who retired in December after 11 years at Co-Lin. The Co-Lin Foundation manages assets of more than $8 million and is operated by the executive director and the 23-member board of directors.