Doug McCullough is Pitt’s new acting chief advancement officer

Doug McCullough has been appointed the acting chief advancement officer of the University of Pittsburgh. In the newly created role, McCullough will lead all philanthropic endeavors for the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement (PAE). It's one of several new appointments to ensure the division has strong leadership in place to achieve success.

McCullough was recruited to Pitt in 2018 and became vice chancellor for individual giving, schools and centers in PAE. He's been part of many major gift discussions during his tenure and played a key role in the 2022 gift to name the David C. Frederick Honors College. Prior to Pitt, McCullough served in several leadership roles at the University of Pennsylvania as well as development positions at Ohio University and DePaul University.

In his new role, McCullough will be part of Pitt's External Relations leadership team.

"Throughout his time here and in his previous roles at Penn, Ohio University and DePaul University, Doug has consistently created environments where people feel valued, supported and positioned to do their best work," Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for external relations. "I am confident that he is the right person to lead this powerhouse of a team, and I'm grateful to Chancellor Gabel for her support and leadership as we build a structure that will advance our fundraising efforts."

As McCullough moves into his new role, Danni Piccolo has been promoted to his former position of vice chancellor for individual giving, schools and centers. Piccolo joined Pitt in 2017 and has advanced through a series of leadership roles, the most recent being associate vice chancellor for individual giving, schools and centers. She brings with her extensive development experience from her time at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Chatham University.

"Danni is a respected professional in Pittsburgh's philanthropic arena who has built strong collaborative relationships with leaders across the institution," said Washo. "I'm certain she will continue to foster those partnerships as she steps into this expanded role."

Additionally, Jodi Weisfield has been promoted to vice chancellor for health sciences and clinical programs advancement. Weisfield most recently served as Pitt's senior executive director of development for individual giving, schools and centers, where she managed the fundraising and alumni relations teams for Pitt's School of Business and School of Computing and Information. She will now oversee the fundraising supporting Pitt's six schools of the health sciences, clinical departments and affiliated hospital foundations.

"Jodi is an exceptional fundraiser and teambuilder who brings valuable leadership experience to this role, and I know she is looking forward to learning from and building upon this team's already meaningful work," said Washo.

Piccolo and Weisfield will both report to McCullough as part of the PAE leadership team.

Tom Crawford, who has been serving as PAE's interim leader since last April along with leading PAE's corporate and foundation relations teams, will transition fully into his role as senior advisor, a move that was underway before he was tapped to lead the division.

"Tom stepped up to lead the division during a critical time and has kept our momentum strong," said Washo. "His steady hand through this period has been invaluable, and we're fortunate to have him continuing to contribute his expertise and strategic insight as senior advisor."

Reflecting on the appointments, Washo expressed optimism for the future of the division's work.

"It is important to me to recognize the talent we have within our own ranks," Washo said. "Promoting these leaders from within is a testament to the strength and success of our philanthropic endeavors."