Terry Heilman Sylvester feels privileged to have dedicated her life to the transformative power of philanthropy. With rich experience across nearly every aspect of fundraising—as a student, corporate professional, consultant, development officer, trustee, and major donor—Terry deeply understands and cherishes the joy of aligning donors' passions with meaningful causes.

Influenced profoundly by her father, E. Bruce Heilman, renowned for his exceptional fundraising leadership as President and Chancellor of the University of Richmond, Terry naturally embraced this legacy. She first contributed to the University as a dedicated trustee during the years her four daughters attended the school. Following two terms as a trustee, she took on an active role within the Advancement Staff as the University's first Director of Parent Philanthropy, where she successfully raised millions each year to support the institution. Terry’s commitment to the University continues today in her roles as trustee emeritus and a member of the Executive Board of Advisors for the Jepson School of Leadership. She was honored with the Alumni Distinguished Service award in 2010, recognizing her outstanding contributions. Terry and her husband have also established a meaningful endowment dedicated to fostering spiritual awareness among students.

After graduating from the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, Terry launched her career in marketing with Xerox Corporation. She later applied her professional experience to fundraising and consulting, passionately supporting nonprofit organizations focused on youth and children’s ministries both domestically and internationally. Notably, Terry served as Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Connection in the San Francisco Bay Area, positively impacting countless families and children.

In addition to her ongoing commitment to the University of Richmond, Terry serves on the Board of Trustees at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Her dedication to philanthropy and community extends to her service on the Development Advisory Board for Club Beyond/Young Life, the Stewardship Committee at her church, and as a respected faculty member of the Institute for Charitable Giving.

With warmth, integrity, and an enduring passion for philanthropy, Terry continues to inspire and cultivate generosity, creating lasting change in every community she touches.