The West Virginia University Foundation seeks an accomplished, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Cynthia Roth who is retiring in late 2026 and who has served in this position with great distinction since 2014. This role offers an incredible opportunity to guide a nationally respected foundation that plays a critical role in advancing West Virginia University, WVU Medicine and the broader Mountaineer community. Reporting directly to the Foundation's Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer provides vision, direction, and oversight for all Foundation functions.
The WVU Foundation was established in 1954 and is an independent 501(C)3 entity. The WVU Foundation is home to a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to maximizing charitable support for West Virginia University, its faculty and students, as well as WVU Medicine and its patients. As a land‑grant institution, WVU is deeply committed to the state's education, healthcare, prosperity, and purpose. In recent years, the Foundation has achieved results unprecedented in its history, positioning the organization for its next phase of growth and continued impact across the academic and medicine enterprises. WVU’s future is rooted in purpose, focusing on market‑driven programs that deliver in‑demand skills, advance health and wellness, and generate solutions to real‑world challenges. The Foundation’s next strategic chapter will align closely with these priorities.
The President and Chief Executive Officer will lead a complex organization of approximately 150 professionals with responsibility for strategic planning, fundraising, investment management, financial stewardship, organizational culture, board relations and community engagement. This leader will work closely with the University President, Provost, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the WVU Hospital System, and Deans, including the Chancellor and Executive Dean of Health Sciences, to ensure strong alignment between institutional priorities and philanthropic strategy. Building and sustaining trusted relationships across a decentralized, matrixed academic and health environment will be a central expectation of the role.
The President and Chief Executive Officer will bring a broad and balanced portfolio of executive leadership skills, including organizational management, relationship building, and change management. The CEO will work closely with the senior leadership of West Virginia University and the WVU Medicine to strengthen collaboration, deepen trust, and align philanthropic strategy with the University’s mission and long‑term vision. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the future of West Virginia University and its affiliated organizations and the State of West Virginia by leading a Foundation that serves as a trusted partner, connector, and steward of philanthropic resources.
The ideal candidate will bring significant senior-level leadership experience in fundraising or related fields, with a background in mission-driven sectors such as higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit organizations. An advanced degree is preferred. They will have experience working with independent governing boards, along with strong financial and operational acumen and the ability to lead through complexity and growth. While deep expertise in fundraising is important, the Board ultimately seeks a chief executive with the breadth, judgment, and leadership presence to guide the organization as a whole.
Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest. Please submit applications through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal here.
WittKieffer is assisting West Virginia University Foundation in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. For ideal consideration, candidate materials should be submitted by June 1, 2026. Absolute confidentiality throughout the entire search process will be provided to all applicants and interested parties.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
John K. Thornburgh and Ashlee Musser
West Virginia University Foundation acts in a manner that supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Foundation. We are a world-class Foundation that embraces every community member, donor, volunteer, and employee to create a meaningful impact for those touched by the WVUF.