As the former vice president for University Advancement at the University of La Verne, Myra worked closely with Dr. Terrence E. Deal, Dr. Sandra Deal and President Devorah Lieberman to establish the Deal Leadership Institute. Now, as a member of the Institute’s Advisory Board, she continues to work with the Dealses and Institute members in exploring the multiple facets of leadership.
A seasoned advancement professional, Myra has served in multiple front-line and leadership roles at educational entities such as universities and colleges, a community art school and an independent school, helping to raise nearly $500 million dollars over the course of her career.
Prior to her career in education, Myra was as a professional classical musician (opera, oratorio, and music theatre) and performed regularly in the New York / New Jersey region. A highlight was a set of performances of Dvorak’s “Rusalka” at both Carnegie Hall and the former Avery Fischer Hall.
Myra holds a B.A. In Music Performance from Montclair State University (NJ) and an M.A. in Education (higher education leadership) from Seton Hall University. She has been a member of numerous boards and active with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, most notably as a member of the CASE Commission on Philanthropy, an international think tank focusing on national and international best practices in philanthropy. She is also a past board member of Women in Development-New York City Chapter.
