Fundraising, Donor Relations & External Advancement

Fundraising has been a central focus throughout my career as a Director of Athletics and President/CEO. I have consistently built donor networks, secured major gifts, strengthened annual giving, elevated booster engagement, and aligned advancement strategy with institutional mission.

My approach centers on listening, cultivating long-term relationships, and connecting donor passions to meaningful projects that impact student-athletes and the campus community.

Fundraising Philosophy

Relationships First

Donors invest in people they trust. Successful fundraising begins with building authentic, long-term relationships.

Impact-Driven Storytelling

Every gift should be tied to a clear purpose, student-athlete outcome, or institutional priority.

Visibility & Stewardship

Regular communication, presence at events, and consistent follow-through are essential to donor confidence.

Alignment With Institutional Mission

Fundraising must support enrollment, academics, facilities, and student-athlete welfare—not operate independently from campus priorities.

⭐ Fundraising Achievements & Awards

National Fundraising Awards

  • Recognized two times nationally for Top Ten Athletics Director Fundraiser of the Year

  • Earned multiple awards for major gift development and donor engagement

  • Led top-performing advancement teams recognized for innovation in donor experience

  • Honored for excellence in relationship-building and stewardship across athletics and education

These recognitions underscore a consistent ability to build trust, energize donor communities, and deliver results.

Major Fundraising Accomplishments

Major Gifts & Capital Projects

  • Secured seven-figure gifts for athletics facilities and student-athlete development

  • Increased donor engagement across former student-athletes, alumni, and parents

  • Developed partnerships with regional business leaders and community stakeholders

Annual Giving & Booster Engagement

  • Revitalized donor clubs and annual giving programs

  • Rebuilt lapsed donor pipelines and implemented modern stewardship practices

  • Strengthened event-driven fundraising and cultivation events

Corporate Partnerships

  • Expanded sponsorship portfolios and community partnerships

  • Negotiated multi-year agreements that increased visibility and external revenue

Campaign Leadership

  • Played major roles in institution-wide fundraising campaigns

  • Created athletics-specific case statements aligned with university priorities

  • Integrated athletics fundraising with academic advancement strategies

Advancement Leadership Approach

I believe every advancement effort should:

  • Show donors how their investment impacts students

  • Strengthen the institution’s long-term health

  • Build alignment between athletics, academics, advancement, and student affairs

  • Inspire confidence through transparency and results

My goal is always the same:
Strengthen the financial future of athletics and elevate the student-athlete experience.