Ericka Webb

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As executive director of gift planning, Ericka Webb is always looking toward the future. Yet, when it comes to helping donors invest in Boston College, she often starts by exploring their past. Their values, experiences, and financial goals can deeply influence how they choose to include the University in their estate plans or establish a planned gift.

Ericka’s own past encompasses multiple degrees, a career transition, and a commitment to service. A former Peace Corps volunteer, she nearly became a teacher before fate led her to pursue a profession in development. Now, she has an impressive track record of cultivating strong relationships with BC alums, friends, and parents from all decades. 

Read on and get to know more about Ericka.

When you were in grade school, what did you envision for your future career and how does that align with the work you do today?

As a kid, I wanted to be the first woman president. Then later I wanted to be a travel writer or a diplomat. To explore that possible path, I spent some time in the Peace Corps in the 1990s. I was assigned as a health care volunteer in Chad—with no health care experience. However, due to strikes and other social issues at that time, the clinic I was assigned to was rarely open. So I did a range of other things: I was a Girl Scout troop leader, I taught English at a private school at a Catholic mission, and I worked with a garden cooperative. It was an interesting time and not always easy. Being there taught me the difference between wants and needs and helped me realize that most of what I thought was essential to my life really wasn’t essential to live.

After that experience, I wanted to be a teacher. My dream was to teach history or social studies in a public school. It wasn’t until I was in graduate school getting my master’s in education at Harvard that I had my first encounter working in a fundraising shop. In 2001, I was a work-study student in the gift planning office—and I loved it! I then switched my area of study within the program to human development and education. What I learned then still helps me with my work—daily. The rest is history.

What does an executive director of gift planning do?

The simple answer to your question is that I am responsible for the coordination of planned gifts to BC, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, real estate, collections, non-cash gifts, and more complex gifts, as well. We have a robust gift planning program at BC and I oversee a team of eight. Planned gifts can be made at any age, so my team and I also work to maintain lifelong relationships with alums, parents, and friends to support their continued engagement with and investment in the University.

How does a fundraiser role on your team differ from a fundraiser in another department?

One thing that sets our fundraisers apart from all the other UA fundraisers is the length and depth of the relationships they build. Our team often works closely not just with the donors, but with their lawyers, financial advisors, and other trusted contacts. On the operations side, what’s especially unique is the connection we build with executors and family members when working on realized estates and non-cash gifts. It adds a dimension to what we do that’s both personal and meaningful.

Why are planned gifts an important part of Soaring Higher?

In a campaign, we raise the dollars now for the future of Boston College. That’s essentially what planned gifts are—commitments made today that will benefit BC later on. Whether an annuity, a trust, or bequest intention, these gifts ensure that there are funds in BC’s future. Every planned gift, from 50 dollars to 125 million, is very important. In fact, the two largest gifts in the University’s history are planned gifts, underscoring just how transformative these commitments can be.

Our policy is that any donor, regardless of their age at the time of confirming their estate commitment, will receive credit for the full, face value of their estate commitment. Planned gifts are a great way for people to be part of this campaign and get recognized for their participation today. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to thank and celebrate them while they’re alive. They will also become members of the Shaw Society and get invited to special University events.

You’ve worked at other institutions and organizations, yet you’ve been at BC the longest. What makes BC special?

BC cares for employees in a way I haven’t experienced anywhere else. We are supported by the University and by our individual departments—through life’s joys and tragedies. It’s incredible. The other thing I love about BC is that planned giving is front and center. That has allowed me to really grow this program—and the team.

Out of all the buildings and spaces on campus, do you have a favorite?

That’s easy. I love Stokes. The archway is so picturesque and I feel like I’m in Europe or I’m Hermione Granger about to go to potions class or something. And, you know, the naming of the building was tied to a planned gift!