In 2010, a couple of higher ed advancement pros got together over ales commiserating over the bubble-burst recession and their personal and professional impacts. They knew that the way forward involved change — looking at things in new and innovative ways. Doing things “the way we’ve always done them” — a phrase often heard in stale organizations — was committing to slow irrelevance.
They created AdvanceNext, dedicated to learning how to evolve practices in one of the most stale environments — higher education. The spirit of effective innovation and their research over the next decade in leadership, organizational efficiency, internal culture, brand management, client relationship, and other business practices found them once again confronting yet another recession. This time, they have the platforms to share their simple, yet effective message: make things simpler.
Jason Beardriel
Chief Innovation Officer
Jason Beardriel is an experienced leader, communicator, and problem solver who has dedicated his career to effecting positive change. He’s had leadership roles in higher education and nonprofits where he’s had the opportunity to collaborate with thousands of colleagues on everything from small projects and organization-wide initiatives. A native of the Seattle area, Jason is a graduate of the University of Washington (BA, History) and Seattle University (MPA). Jason is a big fan of downhill skiing, Datsun Z cars, and cooking dinners his kids won’t eat.
Alex Webster
Chief Engagement officer
Alex Webster has served as CityU’s Alumni Relations Manager since 2010. He enjoys connecting with CityU’s nearly 50,000 alumni world-wide and building programs to support their connections with their fellow grads. Formerly a fulltime sports broadcaster and producer, Alex made the transition to university advancement over a decade ago with his alma mater Washington State University serving as the Cougars’ alumni relations liaison for western Washington. Since then he’s worked in alumni relations, development, and university relations positions with institutions such as WSU, University of Washington Bothell, and Bastyr University. When not working at CityU, Alex enjoys cooking, freelance sports broadcasting, and spending quality time with his wife and three young children.