Lipscomb Hires Belmont Fundraising Chief Rosselli

David Rosselli will take over fundraising at Lipscomb University on Dec. 1, following a seven-month national search. He joins from Belmont University, where he served as executive vice president for advancement.

The search attracted a number of highly qualified candidates, according to Lipscomb. Rosselli has more than 30 years of experience in higher education advancement.

Rosselli led Belmont's $700 million comprehensive campaign, which announced $300 million in commitments at its public launch. During his three years at Belmont, the university recorded its highest fundraising totals and secured the largest gift in its history.

Before Belmont, Rosselli spent eight years at Baylor University as vice president for institutional advancement. He directed the Give Light campaign, which passed its $1.1 billion goal six months early. Annual advancement productivity at Baylor rose from about $100 million to more than $170 million, with one year reaching $250 million.

His earlier roles include senior executive director of institutional advancement at the University of Southern California, where his work contributed roughly $1 billion during the university's comprehensive campaign. From 2004 to 2010 he was associate athletic director at the University of California, Berkeley, supporting a $471 million athletics facilities initiative that included the California Memorial Stadium project. He also held advancement posts at the University of the Pacific and Santa Clara University.

Lipscomb President Candice McQueen said Rosselli's record will serve the institution as it enters a new phase. "Dave is an exceptional advancement leader whose experience and proven record of success will be invaluable as we enter an exciting new chapter in Lipscomb University's history," McQueen said.

The hiring comes as Lipscomb begins Lipscomb Rising 2030, a strategic plan covering growth, academic standing and outreach. Rosselli will serve on the executive leadership team, report to McQueen and oversee advancement work including philanthropy, alumni and donor engagement, and partnerships. He will lead the launch of a comprehensive campaign now in its initial stages.

Rosselli said the university's mission drew him to the role. "I am especially grateful to President McQueen and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity," he said. He starts Dec. 1.