Frank Wilhelme

Frank Wilhelme joined Richner & Richner in 2008 as a Senior Consultant. For the past 28 years, he has had a distinguished career in fund development at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. As Manager of Principal Gifts at the Business School, he was responsible for the cultivation, strategy development, solicitation and stewardship of principal gift ($5 million or more) prospects for the School’s $350 million campaign.

Frank served the Business School in several capacities since first joining the staff in 1980, including director of annual giving, director of alumni relations, and director of major gifts. During his career at the Business School he served on the staff of the $15 million Capital Campaign (1982-1987) and was director of development during the Campaign for Michigan (1992-1997) in which the School raised $126 million.

From 1998 through mid-2003 he was Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations. In that capacity he oversaw the School’s fundraising and alumni programming efforts, directed its principal gifts program and served as liaison to the University’s development program. During his career he served as the lead development staff for eleven principal gifts totaling $150 million.

Prior to joining the business school Frank was executive director of the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) from 1971-1980. Under his leadership the HSM enjoyed a nearly tenfold increase in its operating budget. This growth was accomplished through a combination of program enhancements and fundraising.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history from Eastern Michigan University. He has spent over 35 years in fundraising and non-profit leadership.

Frank has been active with a number of non-profit organizations. He is a former trustee of the Historical Society of Michigan, and former board member and secretary of the William Davidson Institute. He also serves as a consultant to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. He and his wife Judy are the parents of two adult sons who both reside in Ann Arbor.