Former Montclair State exec joins Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation appointed Colleen Coppla as chief development officer, the Short Hills-based organization announced Nov. 4.  

Coppla will oversee all development operations for the Foundation, including fundraising, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, Team Reeve, special events, direct mail, planned giving and donor relations.  

She brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, most recently serving as vice president of development at Montclair State University and its foundation. Before Montclair State, she held advancement positions at Florida Atlantic University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, according to Montclair State.

Coppla, who said she was honored to be a part of the Foundation’s growth, earned a bachelor’s in English literature from the University of Scranton and master’s in teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson. 

“Colleen brings a wealth of expertise and a data-driven approach that prioritizes funding a robust expansion of collaborative research efforts to enhance our mission,” Maggie Goldberg, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation, said in statement. “She joins the Foundation during a pivotal moment in our rich history where we are witnessing the power donors are having in real-time. The paralysis community will benefit exponentially from Colleen’s rallying approach to fundraising for care and cures.” 

The Foundation’s mission is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.