WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - William & Mary Athletics has named Kelley Crisci '94 the new Executive Director of Athletics Advancement and Michael Brown as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement.  The moves are part of a departmental reorganization designed to capitalize on the momentum created after a year that included sport and individual championships, stellar classroom performance and the opening of the state-of-the-art Mackesy Sports Performance Center.  
 

"We are constantly looking at ways to improve the philanthropic support of our student-athletes and coaches, and a critical way to do that is to build a strong team of advancement officers who work well together and who love this institution.  We started the process when the William & Mary Athletics Foundation became part of the William & Mary Foundation, resulting in streamlined operations and improved efficiency," said Brian D. Mann, Director of Athletics.   
 
"The logical next step was to make sure we have the right people in the right positions where they can be highly successful," he continued.  "Kelley has had a deep connection to William & Mary since she was a member of our swimming team, and then as an assistant swimming coach, and finally to University Advancement where she will continue to build on the relationships she has made as chair of the Lord Botetourt Auction and as a member of the W&M Athletics Foundation.  If you know Kelley, you know her passion for the Green & Gold is second to none!" 

Crisci, who is currently the Assistant Athletics Director for Advancement, said "William & Mary is a special place that has changed my family's life, so I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to give back by leading Athletics Advancement.  I am grateful for the leadership and support from Brian Mann and President Rowe, and our partners in University Advancement." 
 
Brown's willingness to step in to lead the department as acting head of Athletics Advancement for the past eight months was instrumental in allowing for a successful completion of the fundraising year, said Mann.   "It was a time of transition, and we needed someone who knows the institution.  His dedication to William & Mary and his strong fundraising experience helped keep us on course. His efforts are greatly appreciated, and his new position will allow him to use his expertise in relationship building and strategic fundraising." 
 
As Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement, Brown will be responsible for major gifts and he will also lead fundraising efforts for several sports, as well as serving as the director for Athletics in the university's next comprehensive campaign. 
 
Brown, a former All-American outfielder for the Tribe, is excited about his new duties and the fact that he will be able to be more engaged with external constituencies as he helps develop the blueprint for the department's future.  "We are poised for a period of growth, and the reorganization of the department is the last piece of the puzzle.  We have unbelievable leadership, and I couldn't be happier for Kelley; she loves this place more than anyone!" 

According to Mann, these adjustments underscore the department's commitment to continuity,  with Erin Mattone, Associate Athletics Director for Advancement; and Al Albert and Jason Simms, both Associate Athletics Directors, also continuing their tenure with the department.  Additionally, Advancement newcomer Alex Heacock '09, recently joined the team as an Assistant Athletics Director after a decade as Director of the Tribe's Track & Field and Cross Country programs. Rounding out the department are Caroline Simmons, Director of Signature Events, and Jack Angelucci, Assistant Director of Advancement Communications. 
 
Another new aspect for the department, said Mann, is a renewed focus on annual giving.  "We need to be more engaged with our fans and volunteers, and build better support for our coaches, which will help us better support annual giving.  Going forward our team will be built around more annual giving support for each of our 23 programs." 
 
Crisci added that she thinks the reorganization will help the department lean into its strengths. "Our community support is critical to our success.  Our alumni, donors, fans, and families are all key members of this community. We have an amazing team and are looking forward to continuing to build those relationships and expand our engagement to fuel the success of our student-athletes, coaches, and programs." 
 
Both Crisci and Brown will begin their new responsibilities on July 1, which is the start of the University's new fiscal year.  Until then, they and the members of their team will be working to close out the current fiscal year on a high note, with the department and individual teams accepting donations at Give Now | Giving - William & Mary until midnight on June 30.