Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
August 5, 2026 – Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a seasoned leader with extensive experience spanning both public and private higher education institutions and with a proven track record in building deep philanthropic relationships and authentic partnerships with individuals, within universities and across sectors. His enthusiasm and passion for the life-changing impact of higher education is inspiring and is sure to uplift our advancement team as we prepare to launch our next campaign on behalf of the UW.”
Mr. Michalka is a seasoned advancement leader whose career spans both public and private higher education institutions. He comes to the UW from The University of Texas at Austin, where he has served for the greater part of 20 years. As assistant vice president for development – campus partnerships, Mr. Michalka worked with academic leadership and chief development officers across UT’s colleges, schools and units on goal setting, strategic priorities and fundraising strategy and productivity.
As a member of the senior leadership team, he was a key strategist for UT’s “What Starts Here” campaign — one of the largest and most impactful university campaigns in public higher education. He also provided management oversight to UT’s annual giving programs and prospect research and management and co-established the university’s principal giving program in 2014. As executive director of international advancement, Mr. Michalka co-founded and launched UT’s international board of advisors. As chief development officer and executive director of development for the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, he led the College’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including planning for their current capital campaign. Prior to UT Austin, Mr. Michalka served as assistant vice president for Trinity College and the Graduate School at Duke University and as a major gifts officer at the Arizona State University Foundation.
In his new position, Mr. Michalka will lead and strengthen a comprehensive development operation that includes central fundraising functions and constituency-based programs across schools, colleges, campuses and units. Reporting to the senior vice president for university advancement and serving on the executive strategy team, he will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction, advancing institutional priorities and guiding the 350+ team of professionals that comprise university development.
“The University of Washington is a global leader in advancing knowledge, discovery and impact that changes the world,” said Mr. Michalka. “I am excited to be joining the UW and honored to be leading the UW’s highly respected development program. I look forward to working in partnership across UW Advancement to build on and expand the UW’s outstanding fundraising operation in service to and support of the university’s mission.”
Related: Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for Belmont University
The University of Washington is a public research university based in Seattle, with additional campuses in Tacoma and Bothell. Founded in 1861, it is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a broad range of disciplines. UW is recognized for its research activity, academic medical center, and partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Serving Universities, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profits
Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
Bryant Group is led by CEO Sally Bryant. She joined the search firm in 2007 and brings 30 years of experience in advancement management, consulting and recruiting, as well as achievements from the corporate sales arena and success in other entrepreneurial activities. Christopher P. Bryant, co-founder and advisor of Bryant Group, is a leader in the recruitment of advancement, development, and fundraising professionals. In 1988, he helped start what the firm describes as the country’s first executive search firm to specialize exclusively in philanthropy recruitment.
Bryant Group is the successor firm, established in 2002. Now under the leadership of Ms. Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership through executive search, leadership coaching and interim leadership services. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.
Related: Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
