Roberts Named Executive Associate AD, Philanthropy & Engagement at Pitt
3/8/2021 4:00:00 PM | General, Panther Club
PITTSBURGH – Lee Roberts has been named Executive Associate AD, Philanthropy & Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh, as announced by Director of Athletics Heather Lyke Monday afternoon. Roberts comes to Pitt with over 10 years of experience in college fund raising including stints at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2018-21), the University of Michigan (2012-18) and the University of North Carolina (2010-12).
"We are thrilled to welcome Lee to our executive team and as the leader of our development staff," said Lyke. "He brings exceptional leadership experience and a comprehensive understanding of managing every aspect of a development department. Lee has made a significant impact in his previous roles at UNC and Michigan and most recently, at UTC. He is a veteran fundraiser with a genuine personality and work ethic which will fit well with our donors at Pitt. "
In his role at Pitt, Roberts will direct and oversee all aspects of the major and annual gift fundraising program for annual endowment and capital needs, while also serving as a member of the department's executive leadership team. He will have dual reporting roles to Heather Lyke, Director of Athletics and Kris Davitt, Senior Vice Chancellor for Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement. Roberts will oversee all aspects of the planning, implementation and execution of a comprehensive, coordinated fundraising program at the University of Pittsburgh, working closely with existing personnel in athletics and the university to do so.
"I am confident that Lee will be successful at Pitt," said Davitt. "He has all of the skills and knowledge we were seeking, coupled with a deep sense of integrity and a healthy competitive drive. I am delighted that he is joining our team."
"It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the University of Pittsburgh and its student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and donors," said Roberts. "Heather Lyke's vision for Pitt Athletics is inspiring and I am excited to work with her, Kris Davitt and the great Panther Club team to provide our student-athletes with the best experience in college athletics."
Roberts spent the past three years as the Associate AD, Development at Chattanooga, where he raised over $1 million for the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund, while also funding major renovations to the men's basketball offices and the Mocs' wrestling practice facility. Under his leadership, Chattanooga saw unprecedented growth to its annual fund, summer school fundraising, C Club letterwinners participation and its annual Day of Giving campaign. In addition to his development responsibilities, Roberts also served on the department's senior leadership team and was the sport administrator for the men's cross country and women's track and cross country programs.
Roberts carried four different titles in six years at Michigan concluding his tenure as the Director of Development, Eastern States (2016-18). In that role, he raised $4.4 million in major and planned gifts in fiscal year 2017 with primary focus on the New York Tri-State Region, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. He also served as the Interim Director of Annual Giving, culminating in $35 million in revenue, from July 2016 through March 2017.
As Associate Director of Development, Michigan & Mid-Atlantic Region (2014-16), Roberts raised $3.1 million in philanthropic support for Michigan Athletics and developed the department's strategic stewardship plan for major gift donors as part of a $270 million facility plan. In six months as an Associate Director of Annual Giving (May 2014 – November 2014), he managed premium seating at Michigan Stadium, Crisler Arena and Yost Ice Arena generating $1.75 million in new suit sales and $3.25 million in suite renewals. Roberts began his time at Michigan as an Annual Giving Associate (2012-14) managing season ticket interest lists for football and men's basketball and executing the annual giving solicitation calendar.
Roberts, graduated from North Carolina in 2004 with a BA in journalism and mass communication and returned to his alma mater to earn a master's degree in sport administration in 2012. During his time in Chapel Hill, he worked in game operations before serving as an annual giving graduate assistant with The Rams Club.
Roberts and his wife, Sarah, have one son, Harris.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lee to our executive team and as the leader of our development staff," said Lyke. "He brings exceptional leadership experience and a comprehensive understanding of managing every aspect of a development department. Lee has made a significant impact in his previous roles at UNC and Michigan and most recently, at UTC. He is a veteran fundraiser with a genuine personality and work ethic which will fit well with our donors at Pitt. "
In his role at Pitt, Roberts will direct and oversee all aspects of the major and annual gift fundraising program for annual endowment and capital needs, while also serving as a member of the department's executive leadership team. He will have dual reporting roles to Heather Lyke, Director of Athletics and Kris Davitt, Senior Vice Chancellor for Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement. Roberts will oversee all aspects of the planning, implementation and execution of a comprehensive, coordinated fundraising program at the University of Pittsburgh, working closely with existing personnel in athletics and the university to do so.
"I am confident that Lee will be successful at Pitt," said Davitt. "He has all of the skills and knowledge we were seeking, coupled with a deep sense of integrity and a healthy competitive drive. I am delighted that he is joining our team."
"It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the University of Pittsburgh and its student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and donors," said Roberts. "Heather Lyke's vision for Pitt Athletics is inspiring and I am excited to work with her, Kris Davitt and the great Panther Club team to provide our student-athletes with the best experience in college athletics."
Roberts spent the past three years as the Associate AD, Development at Chattanooga, where he raised over $1 million for the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund, while also funding major renovations to the men's basketball offices and the Mocs' wrestling practice facility. Under his leadership, Chattanooga saw unprecedented growth to its annual fund, summer school fundraising, C Club letterwinners participation and its annual Day of Giving campaign. In addition to his development responsibilities, Roberts also served on the department's senior leadership team and was the sport administrator for the men's cross country and women's track and cross country programs.
Roberts carried four different titles in six years at Michigan concluding his tenure as the Director of Development, Eastern States (2016-18). In that role, he raised $4.4 million in major and planned gifts in fiscal year 2017 with primary focus on the New York Tri-State Region, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. He also served as the Interim Director of Annual Giving, culminating in $35 million in revenue, from July 2016 through March 2017.
As Associate Director of Development, Michigan & Mid-Atlantic Region (2014-16), Roberts raised $3.1 million in philanthropic support for Michigan Athletics and developed the department's strategic stewardship plan for major gift donors as part of a $270 million facility plan. In six months as an Associate Director of Annual Giving (May 2014 – November 2014), he managed premium seating at Michigan Stadium, Crisler Arena and Yost Ice Arena generating $1.75 million in new suit sales and $3.25 million in suite renewals. Roberts began his time at Michigan as an Annual Giving Associate (2012-14) managing season ticket interest lists for football and men's basketball and executing the annual giving solicitation calendar.
Roberts, graduated from North Carolina in 2004 with a BA in journalism and mass communication and returned to his alma mater to earn a master's degree in sport administration in 2012. During his time in Chapel Hill, he worked in game operations before serving as an annual giving graduate assistant with The Rams Club.
Roberts and his wife, Sarah, have one son, Harris.
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