PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Executive Director for Annual Philanthropy at University of Washington

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm’s Vice President of Search Sarah Hempen, resulting in Lindsay Capello of Seattle, Washington, securing the role of Executive Director for Annual Philanthropy at University of Washington.

Capello is a strategic philanthropy leader with a proven record of expanding annual giving programs in comprehensive prospect to portfolio pipeline frameworks to richly cultivate projections, deeply engage annual donors and advance mid-level and major gifts relationships.

“We are so pleased to welcome Lindsay to the UW team! Her extensive experience in philanthropy, particularly her leadership of a highly matrixed healthcare organization’s annual giving program, truly sets her apart,” said Stephanie Doyle, Associate Vice President of Development Programs and Strategy at University of Washington. “Lindsay has a proven track record of building and evolving high-performing teams, navigating significant organizational change and scaling programs to drive measurable results. Her commitment to fostering strong partnerships and prioritizing team development aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to see the impact Lindsay will make here at UW!”

Capello’s leadership responsibilities have proven her to be an exceptional fundraiser. In her most recent role at Providence, between 2023 and 2024, she increased donor count, gift count and new donors by over 55% across the board and doubled the total amount of donations.

In her new position, Capello will manage and elevate the data-driven, digital-first annual philanthropy program for University of Washington. She will grow the university’s base of private support both by acquiring and retaining donors and creating a pipeline for major giving through compelling engagement and stewardship opportunities within the University President’s Circle and other giving clubs.

“Annual Philanthropy is more than just direct mail or a digital campaign. Annual Philanthropy builds a pipeline of support and future investment in our mission,” said Ms. Capello. “As one of the top public universities both nationally and globally, the University of Washington is at the forefront of advancement, leading through

collaboration and innovation. I am deeply honored to be chosen for this role and am excited to partner with colleagues across UW. Together, we will create and launch a visionary path for UW Annual Philanthropy.”

The UW Annual Philanthropy (AP) program is a broad effort that utilizes multiple strategies to solicit gifts of up to $24,999 across the University and build a strong foundation of support for a range of priorities. Led by Senior Vice President for Advancement Mary Gresch, the UW Advancement team is composed of more than 700 dedicated and passionate full-time employees. Tamara Michel Josserand, Vice President for Development, leads a team of more than 350 working across the three campuses to raise financial resources to meet the University’s needs.

Since its founding in 1861, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Driven by a mission to serve the greater good, UW students, faculty and staff tackle today’s most pressing challenges with courage and creativity, making a difference across Washington state — and around the world.

Advancing Great Leadership
Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served nearly 300 organizations across the US and Canada.