Galveston College has announced the hiring of Courtney Lamm as the new executive director of Development and the Galveston College Foundation, bringing to the role more than a decade of experience in mission-driven philanthropy, strategic fundraising and community engagement.
 
Lamm will join Galveston College on Dec. 1 after serving in key development leadership roles at Houston Public Media and the University of Houston, where she built collaborative, high-performing teams and helped secure transformational gifts that expanded access to education across the region. Her career, rooted in marketing research, communications and brand strategy, has centered on helping organizations tell meaningful stories that connect people to purpose.
 
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most powerful stories are the ones that inspire change,” said Lamm. “Education has the ability to open doors, build confidence and transform families for generations. It is the great equalizer, and a shared responsibility across a community. That belief is what led me to philanthropic work, and it’s what brings me to Galveston College.”
 
Lamm said she was drawn to Galveston College because its mission mirrors her deepest values: access, opportunity and community transformation.
 
“Galveston College represents everything I believe about education,” said Lamm. “This institution doesn’t just prepare students for careers, it strengthens the entire region. The opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the Foundation through strategic partnerships and philanthropy felt like a natural, meaningful fit.”
 
In her first months, Lamm plans to focus on listening, assessing and building alignment with internal and external partners. She will work closely with the GC Foundation Board, college leadership, donors, alumni and community organizations to understand current needs, identify opportunities and develop a shared vision for sustainable growth.
 
“My priorities are to engage deeply, build trust, and create a unified strategy that inspires confidence,” said Lamm. “I want every stakeholder, students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and partners, to see themselves as part of a collective effort that drives lasting impact for the Galveston College and the communities we serve.”
 
Lamm sees significant potential to expand the Foundation’s impact in the coming years. Her vision includes increasing scholarships that remove financial barriers, strengthening capital initiatives that enhance teaching and learning environments, and establishing new avenues of support to help students navigate unexpected challenges. She also aims to broaden partnerships with local businesses, schools and organizations to reinforce the college’s role as a regional resource supporting both workforce development and lifelong learning.
 
“Relationship building, begins with listening,” said Lamm. “My approach is always to understand what people care about and where their passions align with the mission. Every conversation is an opportunity to build long-term engagement.”
 
A lifelong admirer of Galveston Island, Lamm said this new role feels both professional and personal. She has spent her life connected to the island, swimming its beaches as a child, visiting on spring breaks, returning for family vacations and even honeymooning in Galveston. Her family remains her main motivation: her two daughters, one studying at the University of Houston and the other at the University of Texas at Arlington, and her husband of 30 years, who is pursuing certification to teach in the Galveston Independent School District.
 
“This island has always been part of my story,” said Lamm. “Now I have the chance to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Together, we can help students, families and future leaders create their own lasting Galveston memories.”
Lamm encourages the community to get involved through volunteering, mentoring, scholarships, partnerships and support for ongoing and future initiatives.
 
“Every person, in their own way, can help strengthen the mission of Galveston College,” said Lamm. “Together, we can do great things.”
 
For more information about the Office of Development and Galveston College Foundation, visit https://gc.edu/about-gc/administration/foundation-development/index.php, or call 409-944-1303.
 
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE AND GALVESTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.
The Galveston College Foundation exists to support and enhance the ability of Galveston College to achieve its mission of advancing people’s lives through lifelong learning.