PULLMAN – Richard J. (Jeff) Puckett has been named senior vice president and chief operating officer for the WSU Foundation, effective Sept. 15.
He will be responsible for managing, developing and enhancing the internal operations, processes, and infrastructure of the WSU Foundation to ensure outstanding service to all college and unit personnel involved in development across WSU.
“Jeff has a breadth and scope of knowledge about fundraising, and about WSU in particular, that makes him ideally suited for this leadership role,” said Brenda Wilson-Hale, vice president for university development and chief executive officer of the WSU Foundation. “I am delighted that Jeff has agreed to take on this new leadership position for us.”
“Washington State University is an extraordinary institution with visionary leadership and programs and a remarkable development community,” said Puckett. “I am eager in this new role to continue helping the university and the WSU Foundation to maintain the tremendous fundraising momentum we currently enjoy.”
Puckett arrived at WSU in 1999 as director of development for WSU’s College of Liberal Arts. In 2003, he served as director of corporate and foundation relations in the WSU Foundation before becoming executive director of the WSU Athletic Foundation.
Most recently, Puckett has served as associate vice president and director of campaigns in the WSU Foundation since 2007. Prior to arriving at WSU, Puckett served in a variety of development capacities at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska, Elon University in Elon, N.C., and the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte, N.C. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Elon University and a master’s from Appalachian State University.
Established in 1979 to advance WSU’s educational experience, research, and community outreach by securing and managing private support to the University, the WSU Foundation generated more than $143.6 million in private philanthropy activity on behalf of WSU during fiscal year 2008, which concluded June 30. This represents an increase of more than $51 million over the previous fiscal year. The WSU Foundation also manages an endowment of more than $324.2 million. Private contributions to WSU fund scholarships for deserving undergraduate and graduate students, attract and retain top faculty, build world-class facilities, and enable cutting-edge research and education programs to flourish.
