Smith Names New VP for Alumnae Relations

Denise Wingate Materre, a 1974 graduate of Smith, has been named the college’s vice president for alumnae relations. Her appointment is effective August 26.

With more than 20 years of experience as a consultant to for-profit, nonprofit and educational organizations, Materre has a strong focus on developing women leaders, advancing diversity and inclusion, and helping to enhance and grow organizations.

In addition to her Smith degree, she holds a doctorate in leadership for educational equity from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in education from the College of New Jersey.

Materre is an active member of the Smith College Club of Colorado.

“Denise is a committed and engaged alumna, devoted to Smith,” said Smith College President Kathleen McCartney. “She exudes positivity. Her talents and experience will serve Smith and its alumnae well as we enter a new phase of partnership with the Alumnae Association, in alignment with a newly integrated and combined Office of Alumnae Relations and Development.”

Beth Raffeld, Smith’s senior vice president for alumnae relations and development, described Materre as a leader with extraordinary ability to bring people together toward common goals. “Her experience as a strategic planner, her creativity, and her insight and knowledge of Smith make her the perfect person to step into this important role," Raffeld said.

Materre noted that as an alumna, she is personally connected and deeply committed to the college’s vision and mission to educate women who will change the world. “This passion results from the strong educational foundation and development as a leader that I received while a student at Smith,” she said. “My goal as vice president for alumnae relations is to build on the rich traditions of Smith and the powerful network of Smith alumnae as mentors, role models and lifelong learners.”

Materre previously worked for AT&T Bell Laboratories, Bell Communications Research and the Cultural Unity Student Center at the University of Colorado.