[March 29, 2011; Philadelphia, PA] – The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has named Helen Radenkovic Director of Development for the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital (Ryan-VHUP).

“We are so happy to have Helen join our team,“ said Melissa von Stade, assistant dean of development, alumni relations and communication for Penn Vet. “The combination of her experience, relationship and fundraising skills and enthusiasm for animals will be positive assets to Penn Vet and allow us to continue to build on our mission of veterinary excellence.”

As director of development for Ryan-VHUP, Ms. Radenkovic is responsible for working with faculty and staff on key fundraising priorities including building the annual fund, meeting the needs for capital improvements and growing the funding for clinical research.

“I am delighted to be working at Penn Vet,” said Ms. Radenkovic. “The opportunity of working with faculty and staff in veterinary medicine is very exciting. I look forward to helping them advance the care of animals and the field of veterinary medicine.”

Most recently, Ms. Radenkovic has served as senior associate director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Fund where she oversaw reunion campaigns. A graduate of Penn, she brings more than nine years of fundraising experience to Penn Vet. Prior to joining Penn, she was an equity sales analyst for Credit Suisse First Boston in Philadelphia.

Ms. Radenkovic spent part of her childhood on a dairy farm and is a life-long pet owner with a deep interest in animal welfare. She currently cares for a mixed-Maine Coon cat named Sebastian.