UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has named Tom Maatta as its new director of development, effective Feb. 5.
Maatta comes to this position from the College of Engineering, where he most recently served as the senior director of major gifts and secured more than $13 million in gifts and commitments.
“Tom’s time in the College of Engineering has been marked by tireless dedication, superior fundraising results and a motivating management style,” said Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST. “I am excited about the experience he’ll bring to his new position.”
Maatta worked in the College of Engineering for seven years. From October 2022 to July 2023, he served as its interim lead for development and alumni relations team.
“Working with the Engineering team has been a privilege,” Maatta said. “’Iron sharpens iron,’ a colleague of mine often says, and I would not have grown into who I am today without their example, their support and their trust. I am grateful.”
Maatta will champion the College of IST’s philanthropic mission and vision, working with alumni leaders, donors and volunteers to support scholarships, new programs and student engagement opportunities. In addition to fundraising, he will support efforts to increase alumni participation and engagement in general.
“I am impressed by the bold vision, the sincerity and the strong enthusiasm shared by Dean Tapia and her leadership team,” Maatta said. “Their commitment to growth and excellence resonates very strongly with me, and I am proud to have the opportunity to join them. I look forward to building on their strong foundation and helping to turn the college's great potential into reality!”
Maatta has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business and a master’s degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.