GALVESTON, Texas (Nov. 17, 2025) – Galveston College has announced the hiring of
Courtney Lamm as the new executive director of Development and the Galveston
College Foundation, bringing to the role more than a decade of experience in mission-
driven philanthropy, strategic fundraising and community engagement.
Lamm will join Galveston College on Dec. 1 after serving in key development leadership
roles at Houston Public Media and the University of Houston, where she built
collaborative, high-performing teams and helped secure transformational gifts that
expanded access to education across the region. Her career, rooted in marketing
research, communications and brand strategy, has centered on helping organizations
tell meaningful stories that connect people to purpose.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most powerful stories are the ones that
inspire change,” said Lamm. “Education has the ability to open doors, build confidence
and transform families for generations. It is the great equalizer, and a shared
responsibility across a community. That belief is what led me to philanthropic work, and
it’s what brings me to Galveston College.”
Lamm said she was drawn to Galveston College because its mission mirrors her
deepest values: access, opportunity and community transformation.
“Galveston College represents everything I believe about education,” said Lamm. “This
institution doesn’t just prepare students for careers, it strengthens the entire region. The
opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the Foundation through strategic
partnerships and philanthropy felt like a natural, meaningful fit.”
In her first months, Lamm plans to focus on listening, assessing and building alignment
with internal and external partners. She will work closely with the GC Foundation Board,
college leadership, donors, alumni and community organizations to understand current
needs, identify opportunities and develop a shared vision for sustainable growth.
“My priorities are to engage deeply, build trust, and create a unified strategy that
inspires confidence,” said Lamm. “I want every stakeholder, students, faculty, staff,
alumni, donors and partners, to see themselves as part of a collective effort that drives
lasting impact for the Galveston College and the communities we serve.”
Lamm sees significant potential to expand the Foundation’s impact in the coming years.
Her vision includes increasing scholarships that remove financial barriers, strengthening
capital initiatives that enhance teaching and learning environments, and establishing
new avenues of support to help students navigate unexpected challenges. She also
aims to broaden partnerships with local businesses, schools and organizations to
reinforce the college’s role as a regional resource supporting both workforce
development and lifelong learning.
“Relationship building, begins with listening,” said Lamm. “My approach is always to
understand what people care about and where their passions align with the mission.
Every conversation is an opportunity to build long-term engagement.”
A lifelong admirer of Galveston Island, Lamm said this new role feels both professional
and personal. She has spent her life connected to the island, swimming its beaches as
a child, visiting on spring breaks, returning for family vacations and even honeymooning
in Galveston. Her family remains her main motivation: her two daughters, one studying
at the University of Houston and the other at the University of Texas at Arlington, and
her husband of 30 years, who is pursuing certification to teach in the Galveston
Independent School District.
“This island has always been part of my story,” said Lamm. “Now I have the chance to
give back to a community that has given so much to me. Together, we can help
students, families and future leaders create their own lasting Galveston memories.”
Lamm encourages the community to get involved through volunteering, mentoring,
scholarships, partnerships and support for ongoing and future initiatives.
“Every person, in their own way, can help strengthen the mission of Galveston College,”
said Lamm. “Together, we can do great things.”
For more information about the Office of Development and Galveston College
Foundation, visit https://gc.edu/about-gc/administration/foundation-
development/index.php, or call 409-944-1303.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE AND GALVESTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college
providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic,
workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.
