Wendy Coates joins Olympic College leadership team

Olympic College has named Wendy Coates as vice president of development and community engagement. In the role, Coates will serve on the college president’s executive team and as executive director of the Olympic College Foundation.

Coates previously worked at Olympic College as development director from 2007 to 2009 and returns with more than two decades of experience in philanthropy, community partnerships and advancement leadership.

Most recently, she served as associate vice president of development and community advancement and executive director of the Shoreline College Foundation. During her tenure, she led advancement initiatives focused on equitable student outcomes, rebuilt the college’s alumni network and helped restore foundation operations and donor confidence following a ransomware attack.

At Olympic College, Coates will oversee advancement strategy and operations while leading the Olympic College Foundation’s philanthropic efforts. Her responsibilities include expanding donor support, strengthening community partnerships and supporting the college’s goals related to access, equity and student success.