A senior executive with more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, finance and program development has been chosen as the new president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia University Foundation. Cynthia L. Roth, associate vice chancellor of institutional advancement at the University of Pittsburgh, will begin her new position Jan. 1, the Foundation’s board of directors announced today (Oct. 24).
“Cindi Roth brings outstanding leadership and development experience to the WVU Foundation,” said Foundation Board Chairman Bob Reynolds. “She has a lifelong track record of success. We are confident she can – and will – lead the Foundation to even greater achievements for our University.”
WVU President Jim Clements added, “I want to welcome Cindi Roth to the WVU family. She joins a committed and motivated team at the Foundation and at the University. She also joins an amazing network of supporters, alumni and friends—people who love our University and care deeply about helping us achieve our strategic goals in academics, research and outreach. I’m impressed with her experience and feel certain she will contribute to the continued success and momentum we’re experiencing at WVU.”
At the University of Pittsburgh since 2005, Roth has played a key leadership role in the University’s successful $2 billion Building Our Future Together capital campaign. In addition to her operations responsibilities, she has led a number of successful projects including managing a comprehensive national fundraising program for Pitt’s African American Alumni Scholarship Campaign. Roth also has managed a significant portfolio of gift prospects and been involved in setting capital campaign strategy as well as overall annual campaign goals.
“It is a great privilege to be chosen to lead the West Virginia University Foundation at this important time,” Roth said. “The University is experiencing great momentum under the vision and leadership of WVU President Jim Clements, and the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet thus far is palpable. I am truly honored and look forward to joining this team in building upon this success for years to come.”
Click below to hear the WVUToday radio spot about Cindi Roth.
Prior to her role at Pitt, Roth served from 2002-05 as executive director of Family House, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides lodging for patients and families traveling to the Pittsburgh region for medical care of a life-threatening illness. Before that, she served as vice president of patient care services at several hospitals across western Pennsylvania including West Penn Allegheny Health System/Forbes Regional Hospital, South Hills Health System and Sharon Regional Health System.
Roth earned her master of public management degree from the Heinz School of Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a professional registered nurse in the state of Pennsylvania.
Roth is a former trustee of the University of Pittsburgh (2000-04) and a past president of the University of Pittsburgh National Alumni Association (1998-2000).
She is an active member in professional associations and throughout the community having served on several boards including the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Council, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, WPA/WV Chapter (CCFA) and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, currently serving as president of its board of directors.
Roth will become the first female president and CEO and the sixth president and CEO of the WVU Foundation since it was established in 1954. She will replace R. Wayne King who has served in the position since July 2007.
The WVU Foundation currently has assets of approximately $1.2 billion. The value of the Foundation’s long-term investment pool as of Sept. 30, 2013 was $478 million. In June of last year, the Foundation publically launched A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $750 million comprehensive fundraising effort on behalf of the University is the largest in the history of WVU. As of Sept. 30, 2013, the campaign had brought in $683.4 million, or 91 percent of the goal.
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CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org
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