Champions Advisory Board

Pat Bostick joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in February 2012 as an Assistant Director of Development. After a two-year stint working with the annual fund and premium seating, Bostick was elevated to Director of Development in 2014, shifting his primary focus to major gift fundraising. He was promoted to his current role as Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts in October of 2017.

As a major gifts officer, Bostick works to identify, cultivate and secure six and seven-figure gift commitments in support of Pitt Athletics and its more than 475 student-athletes. With a portfolio of nearly 100 generous donors and prospects, he seeks to maximize the depth, impact and fulfillment of each and every relationship he manages.

In addition to his fundraising work, Bostick has served as color analyst for Pitt Football broadcasts alongside the legendary Bill Hillgrove for the past eight seasons. He is a frequent local radio and television guest, appearing most commonly on Pitt's flagship radio station, 93.7 The Fan, during football season. He also oversees Pitt's Wheels of Support car dealer program.

Bostick was a three-year football letterman at Pitt (2007-08, 2010), quarterbacking the Panthers to such memorable victories as their 13-9 upset of West Virginia in 2007 and 36-33 quadruple-overtime win at Notre Dame in 2008. He is an honors graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, earning two degrees during his time as a student-athlete at Pitt.

A Lancaster, Pa., native, Bostick resides in Mount Lebanon with his wife, Samantha, and their sons, Trey and Rhys.

Beyond the Bio

Favorite place on the Pitt campus?

The Cathedral of Learning. It represents so many wonderful memories for me from my time as Pitt student-athlete.

Favorite sports moment at Pitt?

As a student-athlete, definitely the 36-33 4OT win over Notre Dame in 2008. As a staff member, I would have to say the win over Penn State in 2016.

What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?

The people. They make this Pitt a special place.

What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?

As a product of the student-athlete experience, it is rewarding and motivating to work every single day towards making the experience better for our student-athletes.

Hobbies outside of work?

Golf and spending time with my family.

Patrick Crowley joins Pitt Athletics in the summer of 2019 as the Assistant Director of Development, Prospect Analytics & Financial Operations. He is responsible for providing leads, insight, and value to development officers, while also collaborating with the development team on portfolio analysis and prospect management.

Crowley comes to Pitt from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business where he received his MBA. While at Duke, he worked on three student projects for the Duke Athletics Department. While at Duke, Crowley also interned for the Washington Nationals baseball team focusing on business strategy and analytics related to ticketing, marketing, and customer experience.

Before pursuing his MBA, Crowley worked for a boutique management consulting firm based out of the Washington, DC metro area where he was tasked with managing multiple strategic projects for Fortune 500 clients in the cable and telecom space both domestically and internationally.

A 2014 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Crowley majored in finance and played on the men's basketball team. During college, he also met his now wife Meg, a fellow ND graduate. They currently reside in Shadyside.

Beyond the Bio

Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?

Petersen Events Center. The energy on game day in The Pete is infectious.

What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?

I love to try restaurants in the different neighborhoods with my wife, Meg.

What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?

I really enjoy the inclusive culture in the athletic department as well as the kindness between staff from the different areas of campus.

Favorite quote?

The Man in the Arena from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…”

Pat Gannon joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in January 2018 as an External Affairs Assistant. Gannon began working in the Panther Club in June 2018 and was promoted to his current role of Assistant Director of Development in September 2019.

Since joining the Panther Club, Gannon has been an integral part of the operations team. In his current role, Gannon oversees young alumni engagement and development, Panther Club social media strategy, Panther Club communications, and collaborates with development officers on annual fund initiatives. He has overseen the expansion of the Panther Club’s social media following and online presence. Gannon has also led annual Panther Club initiatives such as the Panther Club Friends and Family initiative and the annual staff giving campaign. In addition, Gannon played a key role in the creation and development of the Student Panther Club.

Prior to his arrival at Pitt, Gannon completed his undergraduate studies as well as law school at the University of Pittsburgh. While enrolled at Pitt Law, he also served a two year term on the Panthers Fan Experience Committee.

A Pittsburgh native, he grew up in Mt. Lebanon before finding his way to Oakland as a student and now a member of the Pitt Athletics staff. He currently resides in Shadyside.

Beyond the Bio

Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?

Sutherland Hall (West), I lived there my freshman year of undergrad and met some of my closest friends there. So many great memories from the 6 West.

Favorite sports moment at Pitt?

Being at 13-9.

If you could have dinner with any three people who would it be and why?

Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, because I’d love to know what it feels like to be in the middle of a Seinfeld episode.

Favorite quote?

“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly” – John F. Kennedy

Sue George began working at the University of Pittsburgh, Athletics Department in June 2009 as the Secretary to Executive Associate Athletic Director. After five years of experience she added to her experience in taking a position with the Alumni Association as the External Relations Coordinator until 2014. She has recently returned to Pitt Athletics and is currently providing administrative support to the Executive Associate Athletics Director of Philanthropy & Engagement but also to the growing Development Team as a vital role to the department’s success.

Sue (Grimes) George lives in Jefferson Hills, PA, with her husband, Al and daughter, Jessica. Also, nearby are her two sons, Al and Christopher.

Beyond the Bio

What do you love most about working in athletics?

Knowing that not only are we working hard to give our student athletics a great experience during their time at Pitt, but we are also offering them a remarkable opportunity to obtain an excellent education!

Favorite sports moment at Pitt?

The 2016 football win in the final seconds of the Pitt vs. Clemson game!

Brady Hart comes to Pitt after a successful two year run as the leader of premium seat sales at the UCF. He will lead the day-to-day strategy and pursuit of transformational gifts for the athletics department.

In leading the premium seat sales team at UCF, Hart was tasked with creating and building new and renovated premium spaces. Created from scratch, the premium seat sales department was charged with engaging corporate Orlando through hospitality and entertainment initiatives. The creation, expansion and sale of premium seating added more than $1M annually to the UCF bottom line. In 2019, for the first time in school history, UCF sold out of football season tickets.

Hart began his career in college athletics as a development assistant at Long Beach State in 2010. He also served in varying roles with the fundraising arm for Ohio University athletics, the Ohio Bobcat Club. At Ohio, Hart concentrated on football premium seat allocation and donor parking. In addition, he aided senior development staff in annual fund solicitations and operation.

Following his time in the Bobcat Club, Hart joined the University at Buffalo athletics department. The team at Buffalo enjoyed plenty of success as they increased year-over-year cash received by 19%, 69% and 32% respectively, from FY14 through FY16. At Buffalo, Hart helped to modernize the annual fund as they introduced per seat giving and expanded geographical outreach. In July of 2015, he moved over to lead the major gift team, securing gifts for the department's philanthropic gift society, the Shareholders Society. The primary goal of the Shareholders Society was to raise funds for an $18M indoor fieldhouse campaign that was completed in 2019.

A native of State College, Pa., Hart graduated from Yale University in 2009. He was a starting linebacker and member of the 2006 Ivy League Champion Bulldog football team. He has Master's degrees from Ohio and Buffalo (MBA/MSA, Ohio University; M.Ed, University at Buffalo).

Davis Hendrickson joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in January of 2018 as an Assistant Athletic Director of Premium Sales and Development. Hendrickson oversees the premium seating efforts for Pitt Athletics and also plays an integral role in fundraising for both leadership and major gifts.

Since arriving at Pitt, Hendrickson has improved the product, expanded the inventory, and increased the sales of premium seating for Pitt Athletics. Hendrickson played a leadership role in “flipping the Pete” – an initiative in which the Petersen Events Center layout was repositioned to provide an enhanced gameday experience for season ticket holders and an improved viewing experience on television in conjunction with the launch of the ACC Network. As part of this reconfiguration to the basketball arena, Hendrickson led multiple projects to improve the fan experience and implement new revenue streams. Some of these projects included: expanding the Courtside Club to increase seating capacity and amenities, implementing new baseline courtside tables, and doubling the capacity of the Platinum Club. Along with these significant upgrades, Hendrickson helped to lead a complete reseat of the arena. These initiatives results in roughly $2 million in new revenue.

Hendrickson also plays an active role in fundraising for student-athlete scholarships, sport specific projects, and the Victory Heights campaign. Hendrickson has secured annual, leadership, and major gifts to support the goal of providing Pitt student-athletes a transformational experience.

Prior to his arrival at Pitt, Hendrickson spent over three at the University of Illinois. He received multiple promotions while at Illinois and his titles included Assistant Director of Development, Coordinator of Donor Relations, and Graduate Assistant. During his time at Illinois, Hendrickson played an active role in securing contributions for the $170 million renovation of the State Farm Center basketball arena through major gifts and sales of premium seats. He was also heavily involved in the With Illinois campaign that launched in Fall 2017. Additionally, Hendrickson worked closely with the ticket office to ensure excellent customer service and experience for athletics donors. Before his tenure at Illinois, Hendrickson worked as a District Manager with ALDI, Inc. Hendrickson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 2013 with a double major in business management and marketing. He was a four-year letterwinner on the University of Illinois baseball team. Hendrickson helped the Fighting Illini capture both the regular season Big Ten Championship and Tournament Championship in 2011 and was named to the 2011 NCAA All-Regional Team. Hendrickson competed in two NCAA Tournaments and was recognized as a member of the All-Big Ten Academic Teams in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Hendrickson also received his master’s degree from the University of Illinois, which he obtained during this time as a Graduate Assistant.

A The Macomb, Illinois, native, Davis is married to the former Katie Porada (Hendrickson), who was a standout student-athlete on the Fighting Illini women's track team. Katie also competed for the University of Oregon track team during her graduate work. Davis and Katie reside in Mt. Lebanon with their daughter, Jayne.

Beyond the Bio

Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?

Every time I walk into the Petersen Events Center is special for me. I am honored to be a member of the rich history of Pitt Athletics and work in such an amazing facility.

What do you love most about working in athletics?

Playing a role in helping to create to the same transformational experience that I had as a college student-athlete.

Hobbies outside of work?

Our family loves to be outside. We enjoy going on walks and finding trails to explore.

Favorite quote?

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from swinging the bat” – Babe Ruth

Michelle McBride joined the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department in July 2016 as Senior Associate Athletic Director, Development. In her role, she works to secure major gifts and also provides leadership and direction to the staff responsible for annual giving and premium sales.

Prior to her arrival at Pitt, McBride spent seven years at Mississippi State University working with the Mississippi State University Foundation and the Mississippi State Bulldog Club. McBride helped implement Mississippi State's first major gift initiative for athletics, entitled Today, Tomorrow, Forever. That initiative has generated over $100 million in private support for athletic facility projects, that included football, softball, soccer, and golf along with expansions to the track complex and tennis center. The initiative also accounts for more than $350 million toward the university's $1 billion Infinite Impact comprehensive campaign. In addition to athletic facility projects, McBride secured endowed scholarships and more than $25 million in planned gifts for the athletic department.

McBride began her development career at her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, in 1996. At Cincinnati, McBride served in various roles in the development office over the course of ten years from Administrative Coordinator to Assistant Athletic Director for Development.

McBride worked closely with the University of Cincinnati Athletic Team Scholarships development program and the athletic ticket office on a priority seating program that generated significant support for the annual scholarship fund. The culmination of her time at Cincinnati was spent working on major gifts for the Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village project, a project that generated more than $50 million in private support for athletic facilities.

In 2007, she joined the athletic department at San Diego State University as an Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Executive Director of the Aztec Athletic Foundation. In that role, McBride supervised all annual fund activities as well as the board of the Aztec Athletic Foundation. During that time, the annual fund set a record mark of $6 million in private support. In addition to identifying major gift prospects, she also served as athletics' liaison for the university's first comprehensive campaign.

McBride earned her undergraduate degree in 1994 at the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. She worked as an undergraduate and graduate student in the University of Cincinnati Football Office. She also worked as a graduate assistant in the athletic business office while in graduate school. She completed her masters of science degree in health planning and administration.

A Centerville, Ohio native, McBride resides in Mt. Washington.

Chris McFarlane joined Pitt Athletics as Executive Associate Athletics Director for Philanthropy and Engagement on August 20, 2018. In his role at Pitt, McFarlane directs and oversees all fundraising initiatives, including comprehensive annual and major gifts programs, a $300M+ capital campaign goal, and a team of 15 dynamic development professionals. A member of the executive leadership team, McFarlane also plays a key role in high-level strategic decision making for the department of athletics and its nearly 750 student-athletes, band and spirit squads. Having dual reporting roles to Heather Lyke, Director of Athletics, and Kris Davitt, Senior Vice Chancellor, Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement and President, Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, McFarlane oversees all aspects of the planning, implementation and execution of a comprehensive, coordinated fundraising program at the University of Pittsburgh.

Before coming to Pitt, McFarlane spent the previous five years at Northwestern University, where he served as Associate AD for Major Gifts, and had oversight and strategic direction of all major gifts activity and staff during a remarkably successful $450M athletics campaign. Carrying a full portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, he also served in a leadership role for all campaign and department-wide priorities as a member of the department’s senior administrative staff. Promoted three separate times during his tenure in Evanston, McFarlane also led stewardship and Parent Partners programming for the Wildcats. He also served as a sport administrator for men’s soccer and women’s tennis.

Prior to Northwestern, McFarlane previously led the athletics development offices at both Mount St. Mary's University and Loyola University Maryland, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience into his role in Evanston. He previously held the position of Senior Director of Athletics Development at Mount St. Mary's. During his tenure at The Mount, McFarlane managed all major gift, annual fund, corporate partnership and capital project initiatives to extraordinary levels of success.

A 2003 graduate of Florida State University, he also earned a master's degree in sport business management and his MBA from UCF in 2005 and completed a certificate program in Leadership from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management in 2016.

McFarlane is a member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) and completed the NCAA's prestigious Leadership Institute in 2011, and the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS) in 2015.

An Orlando, Florida, native, McFarlane currently resides in Lawrenceville.

Beyond the Bio

Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?

The Cathedral of Learning. It serves as such an iconic centerpiece of campus and the fact that it maintains full functionality affords all students, faculty, staff and visitors the opportunity to experience it.

Favorite Quote?

"Advance confidently in the direction of your dreams and endeavor to live the life you have imagined. The future is not just some place you are going to, but is a place you are creating, and the paths to it are not found, they are made. Follow your passion as long as you live, and on this you will reach success."

What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?

Collaborating with talented colleagues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the young men and women as they pursue their academic and athletic goals. As a former student-athlete, I remain extremely passionate about the opportunity to make a difference for current and future student- athletes here at Pitt.

Hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy trying new restaurants here in the city, stand-up comedy, and traveling.

Drew Moeller joined Pitt Athletics in March of 2019 as Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating all annual giving activities and developing an annual strategy to drive philanthropic donations for the Panther Club.

Prior to Pitt, Moeller served a five year tenure in various roles at East Carolina University with the Pirate Club. He was initially hired as assistant director of development in 2013 before being promoted to associate director in 2016. His primary role at ECU as a frontline development officer tasked with identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donations to benefit their annual scholarship fund, endowments, and facility projects while managing 13 regional chapters throughout North Carolina. In 2016, he began assisting with season tickets and parking benefit fulfillment for Pirate Club donors. During his tenure the Pirate Club achieved record breaking fundraising totals and saw a 15% increase in annual giving.

A native of Raleigh, N.C., he and his wife, Kalyn, now reside in the Squirrel Hill area of Pittsburgh.

Nick Price joined Pitt Athletics in July 2018 as Assistant Director for Signature Events. In this role, he assists with the execution of a variety of department events and the engagement of alumni, season ticket holders, fans and friends of Pitt Athletics.

Previously, Price worked at the University of Kentucky working on Event Management and Championships. He assisted in operationalizing a variety of NCAA and Southeastern Conference championship events for baseball, basketball, men's and women's soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. While in Lexington, Price supported construction projects and the grand opening of the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex and Kroger Field (formerly known as Commonwealth Stadium). Price completed his Master's Degree in Sport Leadership from the University of Kentucky in 2016.

Price earned his undergraduate degree in 2014 at Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. During his time at The Rock, Price interned with various collegiate athletic departments in Western Pennsylvania.

A native of the Pittsburgh area, Price currently resides in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Allison Rubin joined the University of Pittsburgh in early 2019 as the Executive Director for Signature Events and Donor Experience. In this role, Allison designs and implements memorable events, communications and experiences for the Pitt Athletics community.

Most recently, Allison served as the director of stewardship and donor relations at her alma mater Providence College. There she developed stewardship programs and events for all of the College's donors and worked to create personalized touches for members of the lifetime giving society. During her time there she oversaw the opening of the Ruane Friar Development Center, the men's basketball practice facility, and the Ryan Center for Business Studies, the new home to the business school, as well as the close of the largest campaign in school history at $185M raised.

Allison worked as the director of advancement events and donor relations at Loyola University Maryland for eight years, where she designed and implemented a multi-faceted stewardship plan for all donors. She also planned more than 75 events each year, including a two-day public launch of the university's $100M comprehensive campaign and the opening of the Ridley Complex, a 7,000-seat lacrosse and soccer stadium.

A Queens, N.Y. native, Allison previously worked for several years in events, communications, and fundraising roles as a member of the athletic departments at St. John's University and Georgetown University.

Beyond the Bio

What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?

Strolling to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of my neighborhood, the Strip District.

Favorite sports moment at Pitt?

I am sure there are many more to come, but beating UCF during the Hall of Fame weekend. We had a great induction on Friday night and I woke up Saturday just knowing we were going to win that game. Glad my gut feeling was right!

Favorite quote?

Work hard and be kind.

Emily Sejna joined Pitt Athletics in October 2018. In her current role as Director of Development for Major Gifts, Sejna's primary focus is to cultivate major gift support for Pitt Athletics and its nearly 750 student-athletes, marching band and spirit squads. Sejna also serves as the development liaison for the swimming and diving program, track & field and cross country program, the Varsity Letter Club and the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program.

A Chicago native, Sejna spent over two years working at Northwestern University, serving as the program assistant for major gifts. Sejna assisted all frontline fundraisers by reporting on all athletics major gifts activity and tracking metrics for fiscal year goals and progress towards Northwestern's WE WILL $450+ million athletics fundraising campaign. Additionally, she created and implemented strategic processes to uphold prospect manager's accountability for task management, prospect strategy, and proposal execution to help drive strategic discussions for major and principal gift conversations. She holds a Master's in Sports Administration from Northwestern University.

Sejna was a four year varsity water polo student-athlete and captain at the University of Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree in communications studies. Sejna was heavily involved in the student-athlete community; serving on SAAC's executive board for three years, worked as a student- ambassador, and held a position as a development summer intern in the athletic development office.

Beyond the Bio

What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?

I enjoy exploring all the different neighborhoods and what each area has to offer. Each neighborhood has its characteristics that make them unique and different from the next. I am either walking, running, driving or eating my way through the areas!

What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh offers a one-of-a-kind balance – in Athletics, we preach “comprehensive excellence” and that’s what the University has to offer: our academic programs, world-renowned research and medical institution, our urban environment, the unique architecture, historic athletics program, and so many more things that continue to push the university’s presence nationally and globally.

What do you love most about working in athletics?

The best thing about working in athletics is knowing I am helping to make an impact on the current student-athlete experience. To have the opportunity to pay forward my experience as a former student- athlete AND work with a TEAM to accomplish this is a great feeling.

Favorite quote?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Leon Jackson III joined Pitt Athletics as Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts in November of 2019. In this role, he will identify, cultivate, and secure major gift commitments for the university, Pitt Athletics and its 750 student-athletes, spirit squads and the Pitt band. Jackson will also serve as development liaison for the women’s gymnastics and women's lacrosse programs.

Before coming to Pitt, Jackson spent the previous four years at Kansas State University. As a member of K-State’s Ahearn Fund, he oversaw the department’s $18.3 million annual giving unit, directed all premium seat sale efforts to the tune of 97% capacity filled, and managed a major gift portfolio of 90 donors in support of a near record setting $44.4 million in giving towards K-State Athletics and it’s 450 student-athletes. Prior to working in the Ahearn Fund, Jackson sat on K-State Athletics’ expanded senior staff as the Director of Ticket Services. In that role, Jackson led a record setting ticketing unit and was the direct contact for football and men’s basketball.

Jackson began his career in 2010 at his alma mater, Utah State. He served as an offensive administrative assistant for USU’s football team and graduate assistant from 2011-12. Jackson was then elevated within the athletics department to Director of Event Operations in 2013. After transitioning into ticketing as the Assistant Director of Ticketing & Customer Service, Jackson was quickly elevated to the department’s senior staff as the Director of Ticketing & Customer Service.

A native of South Central Los Angeles, California, Jackson graduated from Utah State with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2007. During his time there, he was a four-year letter winner for Utah State from 2004-07 as both a quarterback and punter. As a senior in 2007, he completed 65.4 percent of his passes (151-of-231) to rank first all-time at USU for a single- season, while also being named a Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference honoree as punter. He received his Master of Education from USU in 2012.

Following his collegiate career, Jackson completed a five-month internship in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill. He then spent two years playing professional football overseas in France and Austria.

He is married to the former Nicki Felley, a four-year letter winner on USU’s gymnastics team. They now reside in Bethel Park with their three children, Josiah, Kyndal, and Isaac.