The leadership team of the new External Relations division at Pitt has been taking shape since Chancellor Joan Gabel announced its creation in April. The announcement comes as Pitt prepares to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign, a cornerstone of its strategic plan, the Plan for Pitt 2028.
Kevin Washo heads the team as senior vice chancellor for external relations. He oversees the offices of Engagement and Community Affairs; Government Relations and Advocacy; University Communications and Marketing; and Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement.
“This leadership team is poised to build a world-class external relations enterprise at Pitt,” said Washo, a Pitt alumnus (A&S ’04) and former trustee. “I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such outstanding individuals who bring both exceptional capabilities and a people-first approach.”
The leadership team will play a pivotal role in driving the Plan for Pitt 2028, elevating the University’s national profile and fostering meaningful partnerships across the University, commonwealth and beyond.
Continuing in their current roles are David Brown, vice chancellor for government relations and advocacy; Rachel Richelieu, vice chancellor for University communications and marketing; and Nancy Merritt, vice chancellor for alumni relations.
Other leadership team members
Lina Dostilio has been appointed as the inaugural vice chancellor for external relations, and will work across External Relations, the wider University and external partners to ensure cohesion and the advancement of strategic priorities. Dostilio joined the Office of Community and Governmental Relations in 2017 as assistant vice chancellor for Pitt’s community engagement centers and most recently was vice chancellor for engagement and community affairs (a role she will continue through the summer).
E.J. Borghetti, who has long been executive associate athletic director of communications and chief spokesperson for Pitt Athletics, will join the team as special assistant to the senior vice chancellor for external relations. In this role, Borghetti “will foster and steward key external constituents, amplify institutional storytelling to expand the University’s reach and reputation and serve as a strategic advisor to external relations leaders,” according to the announcement.
Tom Crawford took over as interim leader of the philanthropic division of Pitt and its clinical partner, UPMC, with the departure of Kris Davitt in April.
Jamilah “Jamie” Ducar will assume leadership of engagement and community affairs when she returns from family leave in August. As assistant vice chancellor of the engaged campus, she most recently spearheaded Pitt’s reapplication process for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.
Lila Rose is shifting from her role in the chancellor's office to serve as External Relations' chief of staff.