Virginia Tech appoints Brad Bell to lead athletics advancement amid department overhaul
Brad Bell arrives from the University of Georgia to head fundraising efforts as Virginia Tech consolidates control over its athletic operations.
Virginia Tech has appointed Brad Bell as the Executive Associate Athletics Director of Advancement and Executive Director, a role focused on fundraising and major gifts. Bell joins the university from the University of Georgia, where he served as associate athletic director for major gifts for the past five years. The appointment was announced on Tuesday, marking the latest personnel move in a significant restructuring of the athletic department.
Bell brings 14 years of fundraising experience to Blacksburg, having raised tens of millions of dollars during his tenure at Georgia. He previously played college football at Furman, where he was a four-year letterman. The hire follows the recent appointment of Brian White as Virginia Tech’s athletic director, who also brought his former assistant, Ryan Gottlieb, on board as Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Strategy Officer.
The leadership changes at Virginia Tech follow the announced retirements of previous President Tim Sands and Athletic Director Whit Babcock. The department has been undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, which included the hiring of James Franklin as head football coach in November. White, who previously held positions at Florida Atlantic University, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, and Missouri, has been tasked with stabilising and expanding the athletic programme.
White described Bell as a leader who understands the opportunities facing the department. In a statement, White noted that Bell’s track record of elevating fundraising operations and securing transformational gifts aligns with the university’s vision. He emphasised that Bell is suited to lead the Hokie Club, the primary fundraising organisation for Virginia Tech athletics, into its next chapter.
Bell expressed honour at joining the university, thanking White, Tom Wamsley, and the search committee for the opportunity. He stated his intention to build strong relationships with donors, supporters, and campus partners to help position the Hokie Club for continued growth. The appointment underscores Virginia Tech’s strategy to align its fundraising capabilities with its broader athletic and academic ambitions.
