Biography
Alison Cole is the executive director of the Yale Alumni Association, a position she assumed in 2024. In this capacity, she oversees the alumni association’s various groups, sets the direction and tone for the YAA’s office and operations, operates as the department’s emissary to the larger university, and serves as the organizational go-to for all things Yale alumni.
Cole previously served as the senior associate dean for external affairs and special projects – a role she assumed in 2017. In this capacity, she worked directly with the Dean of Yale College. She served on the college’s senior leadership team, to ensure that the dean's vision for supporting our students was correctly marketed, communicated, and funded. Having served as the bridge between the Yale College Dean’s Office and the Office of Development, she worked closely with teams of gift officers and volunteers to align the philanthropic priorities of our donors with the needs of the college. In addition, she supervised the implementation and administration of donor-funded projects including the newly established mental health and wellness program, YC3. Cole oversaw the development of the Yale Schwarzman Center and an inaugural student-facing effort focused on educating current Yalies about the impact of philanthropy and volunteer engagement, including launching Yale College’s first-ever social media accounts.
Cole also served as the Deputy Director of Athletics for External Affairs, overseeing development, sports publicity, tickets, promotions, and corporate partnerships. In addition, she served as the Senior Women’s Administrator and sport supervisor for volleyball, women’s lacrosse, heavyweight crew, lightweight crew, women’s crew, and women’s basketball. Cole came to Yale as Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Outreach in 2008. In that role, she was responsible for all annual fundraising, volunteer management, and special events for Yale's 35 varsity programs.
Cole brings a wealth of knowledge about Yale and strong relationships throughout the campus and among alumni. She has worked with numerous volunteers across the university and athletics.
Cole received her BA from Yale in 1999 where she was also the captain and All-American on the women’s lacrosse team. She was a member of Ezra Stiles College.
She lives in Hamden with her eight-year-old son.
