PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Selected to Recruit Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the University of Chattanooga Foundation.

Bryant Group, a Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm, has been selected to recruit the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the University of Chattanooga Foundation. Bryant Group’s Executive Search Director, Katie Riecke, is spearheading this key search.

This role will set the vision and strategy for philanthropic impact, alumni engagement and external engagement. Reporting jointly to the UTC Chancellor and the Chair of the UC Foundation Board, the Vice Chancellor/Executive Director will design and lead a comprehensive campaign to expand access to higher education, enhance academic excellence, and create life-changing opportunities for UTC students.

“We are seeking a dynamic leader to advance the mission of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga through strong relationships and purposeful action,” said Dr. Lori Bruce, Chancellor. “This individual will play a critical role in shaping UTC’s future by turning opportunity into impact.”

The Vice Chancellor/Executive Director will lead a comprehensive advancement enterprise, align fundraising, alumni relations, communications and stewardship under a unified strategy. The role partners across the University to identify and advance top philanthropic priorities and maintains a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.

In addition, the Vice Chancellor/Executive Director will serve as the Foundation’s chief administrative officer, support effective fiduciary governance in partnership with the Board and ensure sound financial stewardship, including investment oversight and the management of Foundation endowment and real estate assets.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned advancement professional with extensive leadership experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement and a proven record of success securing major and principal gifts and leading comprehensive campaigns. The successful candidate infuses enthusiasm, inspires high-performing teams, authentically connects with donors and community partners and demonstrates a deep commitment to public higher education and advancing institutional impact.

About the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a comprehensive public research university within the University of Tennessee System. Recognized for academic quality, student success and strong community engagement, UTC has received national and regional rankings and multiple College of Distinction honors for excellence in undergraduate programs in business, engineering, education and nursing. The University also holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, reflecting its deep commitment to civic partnerships and regional impact. Located in the heart of Chattanooga, UTC continues to grow enrollment, expand research and academic programs and strengthen partnerships that enhance regional and statewide economic impact.

 

About the University of Chattanooga Foundation

The University of Chattanooga Foundation is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization dedicated exclusively to supporting the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The Foundation is entrusted with fiduciary oversight of its assets. It is the University’s primary philanthropic partner, stewarding alumni engagement and gifts, managing the endowment and real estate assets and advancing donor initiatives to support UTC’s mission. Through coordination with UTC and UT System leadership and dedicated community engagement, the Foundation plays a critical role in expanding educational access and creating meaningful opportunities for UTC students, faculty and programs.

 

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.