Megan Sheesley Named as Vice President of Advancement & Community Engagement
June 25, 2026Westmoreland County Community College has announced the appointment of Megan Sheesley of Greensburg as Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement. This change in position recognizes an expansion in leadership responsibilities.
Sheesley joined Westmoreland in 2023 as Executive Director of the Educational Foundation and was promoted to Executive Director of Advancement and Community Engagement in January 2026. As Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement, Sheesley will provide executive leadership for philanthropy, workforce and economic development, continuing education, community partnerships, grants, external relations and institutional events. She serves as a key member of the college's leadership team, helping align external engagement, resource development and workforce initiatives with the college’s mission to support enrollment, student success, regional economic competitiveness and long-term organizational sustainability.
"Megan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and dedication throughout her time at Westmoreland," said Dr. Kristin L. Mallory, president of Westmoreland County Community College. "Her ability to build meaningful partnerships, secure funding and advance innovative programs has strengthened our college and expanded opportunities for students and the communities we serve. This title change recognizes the significant scope of her responsibilities and the tremendous impact she continues to make across our institution and region."
Sheesley has secured more than $9.3 million in philanthropic, corporate, government and grant funding, significantly expanding the college's capacity to invest in strategic initiatives. Among her accomplishments, she secured $1 million in state funding to support dual enrollment opportunities, helping increase overall enrollment and expand access for high school students.
Sheesley also worked with the Robert Miner Family Foundation to establish a $500,000 scholarship fund designed to help students overcome financial barriers and remain enrolled through graduation. Additional funding secured under her leadership supported the creation of the college's Licensed Practical Nursing and Nuclear Medicine programs, both of which have contributed to enrollment growth in high-demand career fields.
Her leadership has also been instrumental in advancing workforce development initiatives. She oversaw funding and development of Westmoreland's Advanced Composites Technician program, making the college one of fewer than 10 institutions in the nation approved to offer the specialized training.
Beyond fundraising, Sheesley has directed the development of innovative workforce initiatives focused on advanced manufacturing, robotics, composites, energy, healthcare and skilled trades.
"Megan's leadership has helped create new pathways for learners, strengthened relationships with industry and community stakeholders, and secured critical resources that will benefit students for years to come,” said Mallory.
Prior to joining Westmoreland, Sheesley served in several progressively advancing development and fundraising leadership roles at Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation in Pittsburgh. During her seven-year tenure, she rose from Development Associate to Director of Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, overseeing foundation relations, annual giving, donor stewardship, grant development, prospect research and strategic fundraising initiatives. She partnered closely with researchers, clinicians and institutional leadership to secure philanthropic, corporate, foundation and government support for groundbreaking research and community health programs.
During her time at Magee-Women’s Research Institute & Foundation, Sheesley raised more than $20 million in new grant funding and stewarded more than $31 million in pledged gifts. Her work contributed to securing several transformational awards, including $5 million to support organizational expansion, $4 million to establish Magee Cares for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders, and significant investments supporting maternal health, medical research and COVID-19 prevention initiatives.
Before joining Magee, Sheesley served in development and executive support roles at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. She played an important role in the museum's landmark Imagine What's Possible Capital and Endowment Campaign, helping grow the effort from $12 million to $30 million. Her responsibilities included grant writing, donor relations, membership development, fundraising events, sponsorship initiatives and campaign support during the museum's transformational $38 million expansion project.
“I love working at Westmoreland,” said Sheesley. “Our workforce initiatives, community engagement programming and overall fundraising are all key parts of the mission of the college. I have always found inspiration in being able to help others and Westmoreland presents a new opportunity every day for us to make a difference.”