John H. Zeller, associate vice president for development and alumni relations for Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Institutions, has been named vice president for development and alumni relations at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn President Amy Gutmann has announced.  Zeller will begin his new post in January 2005. In his new role, Zeller will lead the Universitys programs in development, alumni relations and fund raising.

"John Zeller brings a wealth of experience, creativity and tremendous leadership skills to this critically important position," Gutmann said.  "He has an enormously successful track record developing strong fundraising and alumni relations organizations that have delivered very impressive results. He also has a keen understanding of the increasingly critical role that philanthropy and alumni relations must play in the future of higher education.

"As important, John is a consummate collaborator who appreciates the importance of working in a collaborative and cohesive manner across schools to maximize the Universitys full potential. He will add even more strength to an already impressively strong leadership team. I am delighted that John will lead our ambitious plans in fundraising and alumni relations for the University and help us meet the goals articulated in the Penn Compact as we move from excellence to eminence."

During his tenure at Hopkins, Zeller led the effort that raised more than $850 million to date towards the $1 billion goal for the Fund for Johns Hopkins, with more than three years remaining in this campaign.  In the previous campaign ending July 2000, more that $705 million was raised, exceeding the $600 million goal.

Zeller also developed and implemented a highly successful "grateful patient" giving program and increased donor support for capital projects.

Zeller joined Hopkins in 1995 as executive director for the Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine and was named associate vice president in 2000.

Prior to joining Hopkins, Zeller served as associate vice president for medical center development at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he was responsible for achieving the medical centers $103 million portion of Rochesters $376 million Campaign for the 90s.

Zeller received bachelors and masters degrees from Elmira College, where he served as director of admissions from 1979 to 1983.  He joined Guthrie Medical Center in 1983 as director of development, and in 1987 became vice president for college relations and resource development at Ithaca College.

He is a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Council for Advancement and Support to Education and the National Society for Fund Raising Executives.