Appointment of a Vice Chancellor for Development

Dear Carolina Community:

I am pleased to announce that alumnus David Routh, a veteran corporate executive with extensive connections to philanthropy at Carolina as a staff member and volunteer, is our new vice chancellor for development. I selected him after a national search and the work of a search committee led by Lowry Caudill, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, which approved the appointment today. He will begin work October 14.

David is managing director for U.S. Trust/Bank of America Private Wealth Management in Raleigh and has spent the last 17 years serving individuals, families and their charitable interests, including colleges and universities, private foundations and charitable trusts.

David brings to our leadership team a unique combination of fundraising expertise, collaborative leadership, passion and aspiration for Carolina. He already knows a great deal about our development efforts on campus, and he has deep experience in the private sector that will be invaluable in leading our engagement with alumni and friends. He is the right person to lead University development.

In his new role, David will be our senior development officer and oversee an outstanding Office of University Development staff, which works closely with campus fundraising offices and affiliated foundations that support schools, the College of Arts and Sciences and other units.

David was director of gift planning in the Office of University Development for three years during our last major fundraising campaign, Carolina First, which raised a record $2.38 billion. He has engaged extensively as a volunteer for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center as a member of the Board of Visitors and chair of the Capital Campaign Planning Committee. He also has held leadership positions to support the work of the UNC Parents Council. He graduated from Carolina with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1982 with undergraduate degrees in economics and religious studies. For more information about David and his appointment, refer to the University’s homepage story on www.unc.edu.

David succeeds Julia Grumbles, who completed her nearly yearlong term as interim vice chancellor earlier this month. I am grateful for all that she has done for development at Carolina. She provided outstanding leadership in her work with fundraising professionals in the central development office and across the campus. She was instrumental in helping me to start my work with donors across North Carolina and the United States who are eager to invest in and support our University’s future.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Folt
Chancellor