Wally Moore, Seminary of the Southwest’s beloved Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, announced recently plans for his retirement from the seminary. A critical member of the Institutional Advancement team since 2016, Moore’s influence on the fundraising success of Southwest over the last eight years has only been eclipsed by his impact as a senior leader among the staff and administration.
“In his kindness, courtesy, faithfulness, and his commitment to the vision of Southwest’s flourishing, Wally Moore has been the trustworthy cornerstone of Institutional Advancement over the past 8 years,” said the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, dean and president. “From his deep faith and compassion, to his responsibility and wisdom, Wally has been an invaluable contributor to the successes of the seminary. We share his joy as he anticipates a new chapter and send him forth with enormous gratitude.”
In this role as Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Moore oversees all fundraising-related activities, including the Southwest Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, and was key in the success of the Forming Leaders at the Frontier campaign, which led to the construction of the new Harrison Library and Learning Complex. He also oversees external relations activities and events, including the annual John Hines Day celebration, The Monday Connection, and various gatherings with alumni and friends, both locally and beyond.
“I have loved this season of my professional life,” said Moore. “I’m a long-time non-profit development guy. I came to the seminary eight years ago wanting to work for my church and in my faith. I prayed Southwest would be that for me and it has and much more. As for what is next, I’m blessed with a loving wife, children, grandchildren, friends, church, and a love for long walks on Austin’s beautiful trails. So the next season will have healthy doses of these loves plus others as I have new-found time to explore them.”
“Wally has been an unwavering, stable, and committed leader of the Institutional Advancement department for the past 8 years,” said Joanna Linden, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Through many transitions, he has been IA’s constant force, growing our major gifts and planned giving initiatives, annual fund, and most recently hand-holding the capital campaign with grace and expertise for the new Dena A. Harrison Library and Learning Complex from start to finish. He has been a tremendous asset that we will miss dearly.”
Prior to Southwest, Wally served seven years as executive director of the Eanes Education Foundation in southwest Austin. Before that, he served Austin’s public television station, KLRU, and Austin City Limits, where he held several positions during his 8-year tenure, including vice president of development.
Wally is married to Polly and they have 2 children: a daughter, Grace, and son, Sam, married to Brigette. He is a cradle Episcopalian, an active parishioner at All Saints’ Austin for 25-plus years, and he loves long walks on the trail around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin.
