The search for the new ISU Foundation president has been narrowed down to two candidates. Patricia A. Borger, vice chancellor of development and alumni relations at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Roger Neuhaus, senior vice president for development and university campaigns at University of Arizona Foundation, are neck and neck for the position.

“These two individuals have excellent experience for the position we’re filling. President [Steven] Leath and I are extremely pleased with the caliber of the two finalists,” said Marla Franklin, chair of ISU Foundation Board of Directors.

Borger has acted as University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s vice chancellor of development and alumni relations since August 2008. Her responsibilities entail securing private support to benefit the university while vigorously participating in principal gift fund raising.

As a member of the chancellor’s cabinet, Borger helps to advance the finances and mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Borger’s previous position was as assistant vice president at the University of Cincinnati Foundation. There, she established and expanded the University of Cincinnati’s corporate partnerships.

Neuhaus is a native Iowan who was raised in Dubuque. He has been the senior vice president for development and university campaigns at the University of Arizona Foundation since May 2008.

Accountable for all major gift fundraising and capital campaign planning, Neuhaus manages an organization that includes 39 colleges, institutes, and centers. During his tenure with Arizona, the Foundation reported a record year for fundraising, ending in June 2012.

The candidates are not available for comment until the final decision is made. The date the final decision will be made regarding the new president of the ISU Foundation is unknown but is estimated to occur within the next two to three weeks.

The candidates will have the opportunity to tour the city of Ames and ISU campus during the first two weeks of November. During that time, they will meet with staff and officials.

“All of those individuals have the opportunity to give feedback as to who we will bring in,” Franklin said.

Former Foundation President Dan Saftig stepped down March 19, after having served the foundation for nine years. Saftig lead the Foundation to generate more than $1 billion in gifts and commitments, and the Foundation was named one of the top 20 nonprofit organizations to work for in America according to NonProfit Times magazine.

“[Saftig] has done an outstanding job building an excellent organization and creating a spirit of giving among [ISU] supporters worldwide,” Franklin said. “As we move forward, we will continue to build on that legacy and tradition of giving that has been established.”

The legacy of the ISU Foundation will be placed in the hands of either Borger or Neuhaus within the next couple of weeks.

“I’m expecting as soon as they come on board, he or she will get right to work, which we’re looking forward to,” Franklin said.