PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University has named its next president of the WSU Foundation.
WSU President V. Lane Rawlins announced today (April 15) that Richard L. Frisch, interim president of the University of Hawaii Foundation, will become president of the WSU Foundation and vice president of development effective June 1.
“Richard Frisch clearly meets and exceeds our expectations for this position,” said Barbara Couture, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and chair of the search committee. “He brings a wealth of development and leadership experience at major research universities and private foundations to his new role at Washington State University. In addition to work in managing major campaigns and seeking major gifts, he has done the kind of front-line relationship building that we know is essential for success.
“All of the reports that we received from those who have worked with Rick have confirmed for us his experience, skill, and ability to work with students, staff, alumni and university leaders in this vital university position. We are very happy to welcome him to WSU,” Couture said.
Frisch has been at the University of Hawaii since February 2001. There he directed a 60-member foundation staff and 35-member volunteer board. The foundation’s endowment is valued at $110 million, with more than $35 million a year raised from all sources through an operating budget of $5.5 million. As vice president for development at UH, he managed 25 development professionals responsible for advancement programs for three multi-college universities, seven community colleges, planned giving, annual fund and corporate and foundation relations goals.
Frisch earned his degree in marketing from the University of Arizona. He has worked in corporate and foundations relations for Up with People and served as director of development of Chaminade University of Honolulu from 1983-86. Frisch also has served as director of major gifts for the University of Southern California and later as associate director for development and then executive director of Campaign Arizona for the University of Arizona before accepting the UH position.
“This is a great opportunity,” Frisch said. “This position offers me the opportunity to be connected to a top-ranked, research university. I am thrilled to be able to join the team Dr. (V. Lane) Rawlins has built. To be connected to his team and the foundation professionals who have a vision as to what WSU can be is wonderful.
“My family and I are excited also to be in the west, an area we love and value,” he added. Frisch grew up in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Boise High School. His parents, Donald and Shirley Frisch, live in Boise.
The WSU Foundation was established in 1979 and to date has raised more than $610 million for the university’s highest priorities. The WSU Foundation is overseen by a board of trustees and staffed by a team of professional development officers.
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Of local note: Randy Frisch, brother of the new foundation executive, was formerly publisher of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Randy Frisch currently is editorial page editor of the Salt Lake (City) Tribune.
