Keynote Speaker
Ben Pendry

About the Keynote Speaker

Ben Pendry, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Western Carolina University

Ben Pendry serves as Vice Chancellor for Advancement and President of the Western Carolina University Foundation, providing leadership for WCU’s Development, Engagement, Advancement Services, Athletics Development, and Alumni Communications efforts. A 2007 graduate of Western Carolina University, he also holds a Master of Public Administration from UNC Charlotte. Since joining WCU in 2017, Pendry has held several leadership roles and helped lead the university’s historic Fill the Western Sky campaign through its public launch and successful conclusion, surpassing its $100 million goal. He also served in a leadership role during Lead the Way: A Campaign Inspired by the Belcher Years. His university service includes serving as WCU Staff Senate Chair in 2020–21, being selected as a WCU Senior Leadership Fellow in 2023, and participating in the UNC System Executive Leadership Institute in 2024. A Certified Fund Raising Executive since 2014, Pendry previously held fundraising and nonprofit leadership roles at UNC Charlotte, the Sigma Chi Foundation, and the North American Interfraternity Conference. He is active in the Sylva community through First Presbyterian Church, the Rotary Club of Sylva, the Daniel Boone Council of Scouting America, and the Jackson County Public Schools Education Foundation. Pendry and his wife, Jenna, have two children, Branch and Jackie, and a notably vocal cat, Bindi.