“Brooks Foehl understands the power of authentic communities – and builds them. He is that rare servant-leader who can imagine, create, and curate a social system while never losing sight of the people who comprise it. He helps people see the best in themselves and in one another, and inspires them to improve their communities and institutions. Working with Brooks has given us a deeper sense of connection and purpose, and the fun we have had along the way has enriched every moment. It was an honor and a joy to work with Brooks to strengthen our shared community.”

Laura Moberg Lavoie, Williams Class of 1999 and Aroop Mukharji, Williams Class of 2009
Co-Chairs, Williams College Society of Alumni Bicentennial Committee (2017-2022)

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Brooks at Williams College as an alumni volunteer and then as a member of a small but mighty Alumni Relations team. No matter how impressive Williams’ fundraising outcomes may be, those are dwarfed by quantitative & qualitative connectivity, brand and alumni experience outcomes that the Alumni Relations team at Williams cultivates. In my experience, that is in no small part due to the culture of belonging that Brooks cultivated as team lead and as an ambassador for the institution. Driving DEI outcomes at a predominantly white and historically male institution is improbable without a baseline of institutional trust – Brooks, in his professional and personal practice, prioritizes the micro and macro efforts that build trust. The people-centered approach that Brooks is renowned for is contagious, productive and effective; working with him inspired me to shift my own strategic and operational practice, much to my professional and personal benefit.”

Sharifa Wright, Williams Class of 2003
Former Director of Alumni Diversity and Inclusion @ Williams (2014-2020)

“Brooks is beloved, because he cares deeply about Williams alumni, collectively and individually. He is a strategist, the first I knew to think deeply about measuring alumni engagement to guide program improvements. But he is also the very model of a roll-up-your-sleeves, get-it-done kind of a person. And he is a leader whose volunteers and staff would gladly run through walls for him.”

Dennis O’Shea, Williams Class of 1977
Former President, Williams Society of Alumni, Executive Director of Communications (retired), Johns Hopkins University

“Brooks is an incredible marketer, relationship builder and developer of engagement programs.  He has a natural ability to instill enthusiasm, excitement and loyalty and to establish connections with alumni across generations and backgrounds making each interaction feel special, unique and genuine to that individual. In my own career as an alumni volunteer starting as a regional alumni chapter lead, to member of the Executive Committee of the Society of Alumni, President of the Society of Alumni and now in my second term as Trustee, Brooks has, for more than 20 years, encouraged, coached and advised me to stay engaged with and serve my alma mater.”

Leila Jere, Williams Class of 1991
Former President, Williams Society of Alumni, current Trustee, Williams College