In August, Seminary of the Southwest announced the hire of April Kerwin as the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. Kerwin began in this role on August 11, 2024.
“I feel very fortunate to be serving alongside dedicated faculty and staff at Seminary of the Southwest,” Said Kerwin. “As a lifelong Episcopalian, I have benefited tremendously from the ministry of alumni clergy, especially with their pastoral care and insightful preaching.”
“I’m so happy to welcome April to the seminary,” said Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, dean and president. “She brings the experience and professionalism we need in this important role. She has a deep knowledge and love of the Episcopal Church and she is widely connected in the Austin area. She will be a great addition to the team.”
Kerwin has over 30 years’ experience in the nonprofit and public sectors in Central Texas and has fundraised for St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin, Concordia University Texas, Austin Children’s Shelter, and the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center where she served as Executive Director.
“We are fortunate to have April Kerwin join the Office of Institutional Advancement team,” said Joanna Linden, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “April’s 30 years of professional fundraising experience in Central Texas and her values of hospitality and generosity will contribute to growing our resources, resilience, and relationships for the seminary community.”
She began her career as a social worker in child welfare and gravitated toward resource development as she witnessed first-hand the positive effects of life changing human service programs for children and families. She has been licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW) since 1999, certified as a Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2014, and earned the Indiana University Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) in 2018.
April and her husband Ron live in Central Austin with their son Rex (when he’s home from college) and their Golden Retriever Lola. April and Ron are longtime members of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church where April has served on the Vestry and chaired the Stewardship and Endowment Committees. Currently April serves on the board of El Buen Samaritano, an Episcopal outreach ministry serving the Latino community.
“As I learn more about how Southwest forms leaders in vocations of healing, I look forward to getting to know people in the seminary community,” said Kerwin. “Recently over dinner after a Thursday night Eucharist, I heard from several students from all over the country about how their faith journey brought them to seminary. While their experiences are all unique, their openness in sharing their individual experiences filled me with gratitude to be part of the community. I look forward to deepening ties over more meaningful worship and meals eaten together.”
If you have questions about supporting the seminary or planned giving, April can be reached at [email protected] or 512-472-4133, ex. 326.
