Lipscomb University names veteran fundraising leader David Rosselli senior vice president of advancement
Rosselli brings more than 30 years of experience, including leading Baylor University's successful $1.1 billion fundraising campaign
Kim Chaudoin |
David Rosselli, a veteran higher education advancement executive with more than 30 years of experience, has been appointed senior vice president of advancement at Lipscomb University. Rosselli brings an impressive record of leading transformational fundraising initiatives, including Baylor University's successful $1.1 billion comprehensive campaign.
Rosselli, who most recently served as executive vice president for advancement at Belmont University and previously led advancement efforts at Baylor University, will begin his new role Dec. 1. His appointment follows a seven-month national search that attracted a number of highly qualified candidates.
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education advancement, Rosselli brings an extensive record of leading successful fundraising campaigns, securing significant philanthropic commitments, building high-performing advancement organizations and strengthening relationships with alumni, donors and institutional partners.
"Dave is an exceptional advancement leader whose experience and proven record of success will be invaluable as we enter an exciting new chapter in Lipscomb University's history," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "He has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to bring people together around a shared vision, build meaningful relationships and secure the philanthropic resources needed to transform institutions and create opportunities for students.
"He has both an ambitious vision for what is possible and the experience to turn that vision into reality. Dave brings those qualities, along with a deep commitment to Christian higher education, a collaborative leadership style and established relationships throughout Nashville. I am excited about the expertise and perspective he will bring to our leadership team and the impact he will have on Lipscomb's future."
His appointment comes as Lipscomb begins implementing Lipscomb Rising 2030, a new strategic plan designed to position the university for continued growth, academic distinction and expanded impact. Rosselli will play a key leadership role in advancing the university's strategic priorities and will lead the launch of a comprehensive campaign, which is currently in its initial stages of development.
“Lipscomb’s Christ-centered mission, commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and bold vision for the future resonate deeply with me. I believe the university is uniquely positioned to help students discover their gifts, strengthen their faith and lead with courage and compassion in a changing world,” said Rosselli. “I am especially grateful to President McQueen and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity. I look forward to working alongside this remarkable community to build on its strengths, expand its impact and to join in the work God is doing through this university.”
During his three years at Belmont, he led the development and launch of the university's largest comprehensive fundraising campaign, a $700 million initiative that announced $300 million in commitments at its public launch. Under his leadership, the university achieved record fundraising results, and he also secured the largest gift in Belmont's history.
Prior to that appointment, Rosselli served as vice president for institutional advancement at Baylor University for eight years. As the university's chief advancement officer, he provided strategic leadership for Baylor's Give Light comprehensive fundraising campaign, which surpassed its $1.1 billion goal six months ahead of schedule. While at Baylor, the university’s annual advancement productivity increased from an average of approximately $100 million to more than $170 million, with a single-year high of $250 million. His work included securing a $100 million commitment, the largest gift in the university's history at the time.
Earlier in his career, Rosselli served as senior executive director of institutional advancement at the University of Southern California, leading the university's Northern California advancement efforts. His work contributed approximately $1 billion in philanthropic support during USC's multibillion-dollar comprehensive campaign.
From 2004 to 2010, Rosselli served as associate athletic director at the University of California, Berkeley, where he helped develop fundraising strategies supporting a $471 million athletics facilities initiative, including the California Memorial Stadium project. His efforts included securing major gifts and developing a premium seating program that generated $150 million in endowment pledges.
Rosselli also held leadership roles in advancement at the University of the Pacific, including serving as assistant dean of development for its School of Dentistry, and at Santa Clara University.
Throughout his career, Rosselli has developed particular expertise in comprehensive campaign strategy, principal and transformational gifts, building advancement teams and fostering relationships among university leadership, trustees, alumni and philanthropic partners. His experience includes service at both public and private universities, including Christian institutions, providing a broad perspective on the role of philanthropy in advancing the mission of higher education.
At Lipscomb, Rosselli will serve on the university's executive leadership team and report directly to McQueen. He will oversee the university's advancement efforts, leading strategies to strengthen philanthropic support, expand engagement with alumni and donors, and build partnerships to advance Lipscomb's mission and long-term strategic priorities.