Michael Brown, a seasoned fundraising executive and an All-American outfielder for Tribe Baseball, has been named the Acting Senior Associate Director for Athletics Advancement.  He is currently the Tribe's Associate Athletics Director for Advancement.

"I am delighted to recognize Michael for his skills, hard work and leadership.  He brings great energy to the department and his passion for the Tribe will help us continue our successful efforts in Advancement," says Brian D. Mann, Director of Athletics. "For years Michael worked hard to sharpen his baseball skills.  When he entered the world of philanthropy, he worked just as hard to reach the top of his current profession."

Before W&M, Brown spent two years at the YMCA in Greater Richmond as sports and teen director and then moved to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Virginia.  His next stop was Voices for Virginia's Children as chief philanthropy officer, followed by the executive director post at Accessia Health.  His first job in college athletics was at VCU as Associate AD of Development.  Since arriving at W&M, Brown has met with dozens of Athletics alumni and helped Tribe Baseball exceed its annual fundraising goal.

Brown replaces Todd McFarlane, who is leaving W&M to become President and CEO for the  Boys & Girls Club of the Charlotte Region. McFarlane worked previously as head of Boys and Girls Club of Richmond for many years. "We thank Todd for his efforts on behalf of the Tribe and wish him well in his new opportunity as he returns to Boys & Girls Clubs," says AD Mann. "We very much appreciate the work he did with our philanthropy team as we work to build a stronger financial foundation for our 23 teams and we wish him all the best."

During McFarlane's tenure, he helped lead the successful transition of the William & Mary Athletics Foundation to a new home under the umbrella of the William & Mary Foundation.  The move consolidated many administrative functions while increasing efficiency and lowering costs, allowing the Athletics Foundation to be laser focused on philanthropy.  "Todd was instrumental in making sure this change proceeded smoothly, and the result has been to the benefit of our entire Advancement operations," says Mann.

A 2017 W&M Hall of Fame inductee, Brown was an outfielder and hitting machine in his playing days at W&M. He had an All-American season in 2003 when he batted .423 with 20 home runs and 66 RBI. He still holds the program's career record for home runs (50), RBI (204) and total bases (507). 

Brown was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 13th round of the 2003 MLB Draft, but an ankle injury suffered during his junior year eventually derailed his professional career.  After yet another injury when he tore four ligaments during a minor league game, he hung up his cleats and began his career in philanthropy.  

"With Michael leading the Tribe's Advancement efforts, I am confident we will continue our upward trajectory," says Mann.  "Our team is a great mix of dynamic young professionals and experienced individuals who have deep connections to the university.  The future is very bright."

Former Tribe student-athlete Kelley Crisci '94, who was captain of the swim team, works with Brown as Assistant Athletics Director for Advancement, as does Associate Athletics Director Al Albert, whose 50+ years of experience with Tribe Athletics cements a strong frontline staff that includes Assistant Athletics Directors Jason Simms and Erin Mattone.

In the past four years under Mann's leadership, Athletics successfully completed the $55 million All In Campaign and has engaged in major facilities upgrades throughout the William & Mary Athletics Complex, including Kaplan Arena and the construction of the new Mackesy Sports Performance Center.  In the last two years, generous donors have made gifts to improve facilities.  Jennifer Tepper Mackesy '91, D. Scott Mackesy '91 and John Goodenow "Goody" Tyler II HON '11, were instrumental in funding Jill Ellis Field, which was installed in the new 1987 Women's Soccer Team Training Center.   Former student-athlete Rick Platt '72 made two gifts to Athletics totaling $8.8 million to enhance the track and field and cross country programs, including a complete renovation of the TF/XC locker rooms in Zable Stadium.