Senior Vice Chancellor for External Relations Establishes Leadership Team to Advance Strategic Priorities
Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for External Relations at the University of Pittsburgh, announced the Pitt External Relations leadership team. This integrated unit is designed to amplify our public impact and accelerate strategic goals by aligning key externally facing functions.
Chancellor Joan Gabel emphasized the strategic importance of this new structure in a recent message to the University community: "By integrating these predominantly outward-facing functions, we will align our engagement and maximize our public impact to connect with audiences and elevate partnerships across campus and with alumni, industry and the public sector. As we prepare for the launch of our comprehensive campaign—a key initiative of the Plan for Pitt 2028—this approach will undoubtedly serve the University well."
Kevin Washo, a Pitt alum (A&S ’04) and former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, has served in roles of increasing responsibility for more than 7 1/2 years within the chancellor's administration. He recently oversaw the creation of the new brand and strategic communications platform, supported the growth of the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs to become a nationally known model of engagement, and was tapped to chair the Bylaws Committee of the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education. Just last year, he was named a Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award winner.
"Establishing the Pitt External Relations unit has reaffirmed the immense talent and dedication within our teams," said Kevin Washo. "I am incredibly fortunate to work with such outstanding individuals who not only possess exceptional capabilities and mission focus but also contribute with a thoughtful, people-first approach. This leadership team is poised to build a world-class external relations enterprise at Pitt."
The newly appointed leadership team will play a pivotal role in advancing the Plan for Pitt 2028, elevating the University's national visibility and reputation, driving public impact and executing a successful comprehensive campaign.
The announced leadership team includes:
- Lina Dostilio, appointed the inaugural vice chancellor for External Relations. In this critical role, Dostilio serves as Washo’s deputy, working across External Relations, the wider University and external partners to ensure cohesion and the advancement of strategic priorities. She also leads a portfolio focused on maximizing Pitt’s public impact: aligning community engagement, economic development and public impact storytelling.
- E.J. Borghetti joins the team as special assistant to the senior vice chancellor for External Relations. In this role, Borghetti serves as a strategic adviser to External Relations leaders, fosters and stewards key external constituents, and amplifies institutional storytelling to expand the University's reach and reputation. With 28 years of service, Borghetti was recently one of the longest-tenured members of Pitt's Department of Athletics, where he served as executive associate athletic director, communications and chief spokesperson. Both the Athletics Department and its director, Allen Greene, expressed enthusiam for Borghetti and his new role within External Relations.
- David Brown serves as vice chancellor for Government Relations and Advocacy. In this role, Brown is Pitt's chief advocate on all legislative and regulatory matters at the local, state and federal levels. His team analyzes legislation, plans the University's response to proposed policies, and maintains productive relationships with government officials and agencies.
- Tom Crawford is the interim leader of the philanthropic division of Pitt and its clinical partner, UPMC. Crawford is recognized for his incredible ability to connect with people and secure transformational gifts for Pitt’s highest priorities, including the $100 million gift from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Crawford oversees all fundraising and stewardship efforts, playing a pivotal role in cultivating the relationships and securing the resources necessary to fuel the University's growth and impact as we prepare for our first comprehensive campaign in almost a decade.
- Jamilah (Jamie) Ducar will assume leadership of Engagement and Community Affairs. Ducar currently leads the University's community affairs functions and supports infrastructure that enables world-class community engagement practice. She most recently spearheaded the University’s reapplication process for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.
- Nancy Merritt, vice chancellor for Alumni Relations, ensures strong connections with Pitt's global network of alumni and fosters lifelong engagement with the University. Merritt and her team will ensure every pathway of involvement is available to our alumni and that their voices remain central to the University's mission.
- Rachel Richelieu serves as vice chancellor for University Communications and Marketing. Richelieu directs the integrated communications-and-marketing strategy supporting Pitt's world-class research and scholarship; academic achievements; groundbreaking partnerships and innovations; and pioneering students, faculty and staff.
- Lila Rose steps into the role of chief of staff for External Relations, where she drives the strategic development and execution of initiatives aimed at strengthening the University's internal and external relationships. Her focus is on cultivating key partnerships; enhancing communication strategies and aligning external engagement efforts with the University's overarching goals.
"We are united by a shared purpose and driven by key objectives that will amplify our impact in an era where our role in higher education is ever more significant," Washo added. "Every contribution, every idea and every effort from our talented and dedicated leadership team—and the units and people they lead—play a vital role in our shared success as we build External Relations together."