Brian Crockett addresses cadets during the Institute awards ceremony in Cameron Hall in May. – VMI File Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

LEXINGTON, Va., Sept. 7, 2016 – Brian Scott Crockett, CEO of the VMI Foundation, will retire Dec. 31.

“Ever since he arrived on post in June 2009, bringing with him extensive experience in higher-education fundraising, Brian has been a positive and energetic leader who has helped the VMI Foundation to build on its previous decades of success and improve its performance and its service to the VMI family,” said Hugh M. Fain III ’80, Foundation president.

Crockett has been a profound influence not only in the day-to-day work of the Foundation, said Fain. “Brian also has helped our staff and trustees develop a broader, truly strategic vision for the Foundation – and for advancement at the Institute.”

Since July 2011, Crockett also has been the chief operating officer of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, a comprehensive effort that has raised more than $300 million in gifts and commitments.

“Brian was instrumental in planning this effort and in the skillful execution of its quiet phase,” said Fain. “When we launched the campaign’s public phase in November 2014, we were excited about what had already been accomplished and equally confident about what would be accomplished through the conclusion of this historic effort.

“Brian’s enthusiasm for his work and his obvious love of and dedication to VMI, its faculty, staff, cadets, and alumni has been evident in every aspect of his demeanor and daily conduct,” Fain continued. “Brian truly has shown just how big the VMI family is – and how much bigger it can get.

“I am immensely thankful for Brian’s years of service to the Institute and his inspirational leadership at the VMI Foundation,” said Fain, noting that Crockett has decided to stay in the Lexington area and to stay involved with the life of the Institute. “I look forward to seeing Brian often on post in the future,” Fain concluded.

Beginning its work in 1937, the VMI Foundation is a private, not-for-profit corporation that works solely for the advancement of Virginia Military Institute.

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