Scarlett Schmidt is the newest member of the Department of Athletics, named the Senior Executive Director of Athletics Development and Associate Athletic Director today.

Schmidt most recently served as Director of Athletic Development for the University of Delaware Athletic Fund. She stepped into that role in 2007, and oversaw a 300 percent increase in dollars raised for the fund during her tenure, establishing record growth of new donors to fund.  Her success there was due partly to the relationships she built with the University, donor, athletic alumni and season ticket holder communities, creating of various clubs and point programs that encouraged giving and provided donors with benefits.

“The athletic department and the University at large are extremely fortunate to be able to welcome Scarlett to our team,” athletic director Patrick Nero said. “We are committed to ensuring that athletics at GW serves as a source of overwhelming pride for our students, alumni and fans. Through the expertise, relationships and top-notch experience that Scarlett brings to the table, we strengthen our ability to fund and support all of our teams and programs at levels commensurate with the upper echelon of our conference and the NCAA.”

A University press release said that Schmidt’s new role will call for her to work closely with Nero and Mike Morsberger, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations,” to set strategic direction for the Athletic Development Program.” She will be called upon to help build long-term financial support for the 22 intercollegiate sports teams, the club sports programs, and the Lerner Health and Wellness Center.

“I’m honored to serve George Washington University,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate the opportunity that Patrick Nero and Mike Morsberger have given me as Senior Executive Director of Athletics Development, and I look forward to being part of the GW team to assist with meeting the goals, priorities and mission of GW athletics.”

Before working at Delaware, Schmidt was the Director of Annual Giving for the Buckeye Club at Ohio State from 1996 to 1999, and Athletic Development Manager for the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund from 1993 to 1996.

Schmidt is a National Association Athletic Development Director Executive Committee member, and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing education, a master’s of degree in sports management administration and her Ph.D of education administration and higher education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.