PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Vice President for University Development for the University of Washington

May 29, 2026 –

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm’s President, Chris Bingley, resulting in Justin Michalka of Austin, Texas securing the role of Vice President for University Development at the University of Washington.

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, he 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. He is a 2001 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in English and is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

“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.”

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. He will work in partnership with university leadership, the development team and philanthropic and civic leaders to champion, galvanize and grow private support for the UW’s mission including preparation to launch the university’s next major campaign.

“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.”

About the University of Washington

Since its founding in 1861, the University of Washington has grown into one of the world’s leading public universities, advancing learning, innovation, critical research and community engagement. Driven by a mission to serve the greater good, UW students, faculty and staff tackle today’s most pressing challenges with ambition, courage and compassion, 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 more than 300 organizations across the US and Canada.