President and CEO

Overview The West Virginia University Foundation seeks an accomplished, strategic, and mission‑driven leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Cynthia Roth will retire in late 2026 after serving the 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.

Foundation Background The WVU Foundation was established in 1954 and is an independent 501(c)3 entity.

It is home to a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to maximizing charitable support for West Virginia University, its faculty, students, 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 unprecedented results, 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.

Responsibilities 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.

The 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.

Qualifications 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.

The candidate will have experience working with independent governing boards, 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 breadth, judgment, and leadership presence to guide the organization as a whole.

Application Process Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest.

Please submit applications through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal.

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 John K.

Thornburgh Ashlee Musser EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr