Get To Know Our University Advancement Team
Daniel LaBry
Vice President of University Advancement & President of CCU Endowment Foundation
Email: dlabry@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3093
Daniel LaBry joined Colorado Christian University as the Vice President of University Advancement and President of the CCU Endowment Foundation in September 2023. He has served in similar roles as part of senior management teams in nonprofit settings over the past 30 years at a seminary, as part of international ministries, and in secular nonprofits. LaBry’s tapestry of experience brings a deep connection to CCU’s programs and strategic priorities, including K-12 STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), the national school choice movement, evangelism training, formal and informal pastoral and ministry training, church planting movements and international missions across Southeast Asia. LaBry is a champion for Christ-centered education at all levels and around the world.
Amanda Grogan
Senior Director of Major Gifts
Email: agrogan@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3139
Amanda Grogan joined Colorado Christian University as a Senior Director of Major Gifts in May 2022. As a seasoned development officer, her role is laser-focused on connecting and fostering Christ-centered relationships that advance God's mission for CCU. Amanda received her Bachelor of Music Education from Northern State University and her Master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She comes to CCU from the University of Denver, where she served as Director of Development for the Daniels College of Business for four years. Before her time at DU, she spent seven years working with CU Boulder's College of Engineering and Applied Science advancement team and three additional years with CU System Advancement in annual giving, which supported all four campuses. Amanda has been married to her husband Bill for more than 10 years and is the proud mother of her three children – William, Molly, and Evelyn. She loves singing, spending time with family and friends, serving in her church, and finding new restaurants in her spare time!
Mark Heckelmann
Director of Major Gifts
Email: mheckelmann@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3343
Mark Heckelmann joined Colorado Christian University as the director of major and planned gifts in August 2019. His role is to connect with those seeking to advance and support the mission of CCU and help create the Harwood Legacy Society. Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Kansas State University. Before joining the Advancement team, Mark served for four years as the annual fund manager at Valor Christian High School. Mark has been married to his bride, Ty, for over 35 years, who also serves at CCU as the campus development project manager. Both are passionate about Christian higher education. They are parents of two sons, one married and one getting married in September of 2024. They have three grandchildren and the fourth due in August 2024. Mark is an active member of Wellspring Church and in his spare time loves to ski, play golf and tennis, cook, and garden.
Kara Johnston Mott
Director of Annual Giving and Strategic Engagement
Email: kjohnston@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3320
Kara Johnston Mott brings more than a twenty-three years of experience in higher education to her role at CCU. She previously served as the director of development and alumni relations at the Denver campus of Johnson and Wales University for eight-and-a-half years. Kara also spent seven years as the director of alumni relations and annual giving at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Kara spearheads several projects intended to deepen bonds between alumni, donors, and the University. She is responsible for annual giving campaigns, grant writing, special events, and engagement opportunities (reunions, career networking, etc.). She is married to Ted, and she has three college-age children, including a CCU student.
Matt Rummel
Director of Advancement Services
Email: mrummel@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3269
Matt Rummel has been with Colorado Christian University since the summer of 2014. During his tenor at CCU, he has supported a few different departments including the University's Dual Credit program, the Admissions department for the College of Undergraduate Studies, and most recently the Office of University Advancement. His primary roles include assisting with donation processing, database administration, as well as data analytics. Matt obtained a bachelor's degree in mathematics, a minor in athletic coaching, and a master's in secondary education from Grand Canyon University. He and his wife enjoy adventuring throughout the state of Colorado whether that be visiting coffee shops, hiking, kayaking, or any other activity you can imagine.
Davina Vannice
Advancement Services Manager
Email: dvannice@ccu.edu
Phone: 303-963-3197
Davina Vannice joined the Colorado Christian University Advancement team in July 2021. As the Advancement Services Manager she provides support to the Major Gifts team, manages CCU’s endowed and recurring scholarships, and oversees the daily operations of the Office of University Advancement. She is responsible for interacting with donors, students, and CCU faculty as they impact scholarships within the University. She also facilitates the donor/student relationship by hosting the Annual Scholarship Luncheon and encouraging communication between the donors and students. In addition, Davina assists the president of the CCU Endowment Foundation. Davina has been married to her husband Josh for over 29 years and they have four wonderful children. She brings a unique perspective to the Advancement team as the parent of a current CCU student and two CCU graduates. Davina loves spending her free time with family and friends.
