Andrea Soto Named AVP of Development
June 20, 2019
Andrea Soto has been named Associate Vice President of Development at Webster University.
In her new role, Soto will lead Webster’s team of development officers and join AVP of Advancement Services Ryan Elliott and Director of Alumni Programs and Annual Fund Kelly Dopman as leads in the Office of Advancement, reporting to President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble.
“As we advance Webster’s vision and mission through building a stronger culture of philanthropy, I am delighted to welcome Andrea’s strategic leadership,” said President Stroble. “She is a proven leader at Mastercard with a record of delivering results through building relationships and developing new business. We look forward to her bringing that expertise to the University.”
“I have personally seen Andrea’s work and the results she has produced at Mastercard,” said Julian Z. Schuster, provost, senior vice president, and chief operating officer of Webster University. “Andrea’s experience and abilities will undoubtedly strengthen the connection between fundraising, academic programs and other initiatives. I look forward to Andrea joining the Webster community.”
“It is an honor to join the Webster University family and I look forward to partnering with President Stroble and her exceptional team to expand the impact and opportunities the university brings to our local and global communities,” Soto said. “As a life-long St. Louisan, I couldn’t feel more at home. From a small local college to a worldwide university, the Webster University story is both compelling and inspiring, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Soto comes to Webster after a 20-year career at Mastercard. During her last chapter with the company, she served as the vice president of customer intelligence and experience as well as the chief of staff to the president of Mastercard Technologies. Soto began her career at Mastercard in operations services and customer management for the U.S. and Latin America. She rose to the vice president’s level after a variety of promotions into the areas of technology management, along with sales and business development. Throughout her career she has advanced the values of diversity and inclusion, expanding career options for others.
Most recently, Soto founded She’s Got Game, where she delivers strategic career consulting at the intersection of the women’s golf community, in hopes to encourage more women to opt into the game and leverage it for their business careers. Following her passion of community engagement, she also co-founded Women in Technology St. Louis this year, a regional initiative to support women in technology fields and serves as the vice president of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of St. Louis.
In 2017, Hispanic Executive Magazine recognized her for her business leadership and her impact with the Hispanic community. She was named among the most influential business women by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2015. She holds a BA in mass communications from Lindenwood University.
Soto is scheduled to begin her new duties July 15.