Profile

Mars Hill University named Greta Byrd as its new vice president for advancement in September 2023. Byrd joined the university in January 2023 as a major gifts officer and served as interim vice president for advancement since June.

As vice president for advancement she oversees offices which focus on building trust, goodwill, and financial support for the university. Those offices include alumni relations, donor relations, foundations engagement, and major gifts.

Byrd received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Mars Hill and her M.B.A. in healthcare management from Marylhurst University. She served several years as a member of Mars Hill’s alumni board.

Byrd came to Mars Hill following a 30-year career in human services with experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. She received the award for Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 WomanUP Celebration. She also is recipient of the 2023 Arc of Buncombe County Service Award and the 2009 Mayor’s Award for Affordable Housing Development. Byrd serves on the boards of Mountain Housing Opportunities and Arc of Buncombe County.