Mrs. Andria Obermayer Hanley is a 1984 graduate of Columbia High School. We celebrate Mrs. Hanley’s many accomplishments in her professional career and her outstanding service to humanity.
Andria went on to Russell Sage College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration in 1998. She accepted a position as a Resident Director for SUNY Morrisville after her graduation. She returned to the area in 1990 and became the Assistant Dean of Students at Siena College. In 1991, she moved to Russell Sage College where she worked as an Admission Counselor.
It was in 1992 when Andria left the East Greenbush area to accept a position as the Assistant Director of Admission for the University of Miami. Her duties included conducting student interviews, college fairs, school visits, application review and selection. In 1997, she joined the Junior League of Miami and served in various leadership positions.
In 1998, Andria earned her Master’s degree from the University of Miami. She also became the Director of Recruitment for the University of Miami, College of Engineering. She was responsible for the development and execution of recruitment activities targeted to enroll new freshmen and transfer engineering students. During this time, she served as the Advisor to the Society of Women Engineers. In 2000, she accepted the position of Special Events Coordinator for the College where she was responsible for planning, implementing and executing all major events for the College. This included activities such as the annual golf tournament, homecoming, and entrepreneurship forum.
In 1997, while working at the University of Miami, Andria and her husband welcomed their first daughter, Katie. In 1999, Andria became pregnant with their second child, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, Andria beat the diagnosis and has inspired many women dealing with this disease. Kelly, a Gaelic name meaning brave warrior, is now 16 and here to celebrate with her mom this evening!
In 2004 Andria was appointed to the Komen Race for the Cure Board. In 2005, Andria became the President of the Junior League of Miami and served as an Executive Officer of the women’s organization of approximately 1,000 women. Junior League’s projects help at-risk women, children and families. Andria was responsible for all League activities, including fundraising, community projects, and training. She was in this position at a time when there were many hurricanes in the Miami area. Andria led volunteers to support Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Children’s Bereavement Center, Girls Advocacy Project, Transition South and Inn Transition North-two Junior League of Miami signature programs that provide a safe haven for women and children of domestic violence.
In 2009, Andria accepted the position of Executive Director for the Coral Gables Community Foundation. She was responsible for fundraising, community outreach, grant distribution, strategic planning, fund management and board activity. In the words of Mark Trowbridge, President and CEO of Coral Gables, Andria “has been a standout leader in support of our educational and non-profit initiatives. In addition, Andria has dedicated her life and career to the nonprofit community, including stints at the University of Miami, Coral Gables Community Foundation and Camillus House. Each time, she left her mark by ensuring that the organization was stronger and more viable upon her departure than when she first arrived.”
In January 2014, Andria left Coral Gables and became the Vice President of Development for Camillus House, the largest service provider for the homeless in Florida. Camillus House was established by the Brothers of the Good Shepherd in 1960. It provides humanitarian services to men, women, and children who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County. Andria oversees the organization’s fundraising programs including major gift initiatives, planned giving, grant development and management as well as board relations and chamber of commerce liaison.
To quote Mark Trowbridge once again, “Each time Andria has had an opportunity to contribute, she answers the call. She is generous beyond fault and fully committed to enriching the lives of others. I see this position in her work every day at Camillus House, our community’s homeless shelter serving the neediest of populations. She left the comfortable confines of her role at our foundation to jump into the deep end, helping eradicate chronic homelessness in Miami. And, through her vision, she is making a difference every single day.”
The current Chairman of Camillus House, Bob Dickinson, first met Andria when she was the Executive Director at Coral Gables. He was chosen as their Legacy honoree at their annual gala. He recollects that “it was not until the night of the gala that I saw the REAL Andria and her talents. She knew everyone in the room (of 300) and made each person feel special. Andria has a gift of connecting people to one another and this was also evident that night. When she speaks publically it is with passion, from the heart and always welcoming.” Mr. Dickinson goes on to talk about Andria in her position at Camillus House. He says that “she quickly earned the respect of the Brothers, the board, staff and clients. Whether she is working to secure a major gift or helping a homeless person feel comfortable in the dining hall, Andria makes sure those she encounters feel valued and respected.”
It was in this position that Andria watched cyclists and runners in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC). This Challenge supports the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Having completed five marathons herself, Andria participated in the race this year and she stated, “I’m looking forward to taking part myself, and hearing the cheers from cancer patients and survivors when I run across the finish line.”
Emilie Wernick from the Junior League reflected on Andria’s involvement with the cancer center. She said, “Above all else, Andria is a devoted mom and incredible role model to her two sweet daughters. She has shown them that she can handle anything life throws her way. She bravely fought breast cancer and is now a poster girl for beating cancer—she is literally on posters around the University of Miami’s campus for a campaign to benefit the University’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her story is a powerful motivation for others in similar circumstances.”
In closing, Andria has excelled in her achievements, both personally and professionally. In the words of her nominator, cousin Jim Obermayer, “Andria is an impeccable role model. Her attitude, her passion to help others, and sense of community are attributes we should hope to see in all people. Andria is a remarkable individual who works hard to achieve worthy goals and cares deeply for causes and people.”