Dear Pitt community,
I am writing today with two updates regarding the transition for the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement.
First, with the departure of Senior Vice Chancellor Kris Davitt on April 18, long-standing and valued University leader Tom Crawford has agreed to serve as the interim lead of PAE and our development operations at this important time. Tom has an incredible ability to connect with people and to secure transformational gifts for Pitt’s highest priorities, such as the $100 million gift from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, its largest single program grant and Pitt’s second-largest gift ever.
Second, PAE will now join Engagement and Community Affairs, Government Relations and Advocacy, and University Communications and Marketing in a new Office of External Relations under the leadership of Senior Vice Chancellor Kevin Washo. Tom, in his interim role, will report to Kevin.
By integrating these predominantly outward-facing functions, we will align our engagement and maximize our public impact to connect with audiences and elevate partnerships across campus and with alumni, industry and the public sector. As we prepare for the launch of our comprehensive campaign — a key initiative of the Plan for Pitt 2028 — this approach will undoubtedly serve the University well. This is a similar approach to the one we made last year when we consolidated the finance and operations teams, which helped streamline campus operations and enhance collaboration.
I want to thank Kevin for agreeing to take on this responsibility. As many of you know, Kevin is a Pitt alum (A&S ’04) and former member of the University’s Board of Trustees who has also served as a member of the chancellor’s administration in roles of increasing responsibility for more than seven years. He is a trusted leader, and in just the last year alone in support of the Plan for Pitt 2028, he oversaw the creation of the new brand and strategic communications platform, leading to recognition by the Pittsburgh Business times as a C-Suite Award winner.
In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to partnering closely with Kevin and Tom, and with all of you, to further our work. And my sincere thanks to Kris for her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.
Hail to Possible and Hail to Pitt —
With warm regards,
Joan Gabel
Chancellor