The Future of Advancement Services: AI, Insights, and Impact-Recording: Part One: From Legacy to Leading Edge: The Future of Advancement Operations

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Mark Koenig, VP of Technology and Chief Innovation Officer at Oregon State University Foundation, discusses the evolution of advancement operations from legacy systems to modern, AI-driven frameworks. Highlighting the challenges posed by aging technology, cultural resistance, and technical debt, he emphasizes the importance of strategic innovation, disciplined data management, and professional development for staff. Koenig shares insights on how AI is being woven into organizational fabric—streamlining processes like predictive analytics, pipeline development, and automation—while stressing data privacy, ethical considerations, and the necessity of robust privacy policies aligned with laws like the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act.<br /><br />He outlines the Foundation’s structure, focusing on data, analytics, tech services, relationship insights, pipeline development, and a new automation and change management unit dedicated to AI adoption and change management. Koenig advocates for iterative progress, cultural adaptability, and building a resilient, future-ready team capable of embracing AI and evolving technologies. Practical advice includes minimizing customizations, centralizing tech budgets, and fostering innovation through entrepreneurship funds. The webinar also addresses smaller organizations, AI infrastructure investments, and the importance of maintaining exit strategies and total cost of ownership awareness. Koenig concludes that AI adoption is a marathon requiring continuous learning, collaboration, and willingness to experiment and fail fast to drive meaningful organizational transformation.

Keywords

Advancement Operations

AI-Driven Frameworks

Data Privacy

Strategic Innovation

Predictive Analytics

Automation

Change Management

Cultural Adaptability

Organizational Transformation