Having served Miami University for more than 23 years, Brad Bundy, vice president for University Advancement, has announced his plans to retire this summer. Beginning July 1, Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff Jill Gaby ‘91 will assume the role, serving as interim vice president for University Advancement and leading the 120-member team.

Gaby takes the helm at a time of great momentum with the capital campaign, “For Love. For Honor. For those who will.” Under Bundy’s leadership as Vice President, University Advancement has raised more than $228 million, and is nearing completion of its billion dollar goal. Bundy personally raised millions of dollars to support scholarships, including closing the largest gift ever made to the university.

“We are grateful to Jill for stepping up to lead us in this final, important phase of our campaign, as well as for her instrumental contributions throughout every part to date,” Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. “We thank Brad for his service to Miami for more than two decades. His passion for our university and vision for its future has helped fuel the success of this campaign – our most ambitious to date.”

A Miamian since her undergraduate days, Gaby has been a steady fixture in University Advancement since 2005, when she began as a director of regional development. She has served in multiple leadership roles within the division, most recently heading up the operations management function that supports the entire team and serving as chief of staff. In this capacity, Gaby is a key member of the senior management team, collaborating with senior staff across departments to ensure effective day-to-day operations.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role and am thrilled to be serving in this capacity at such a pivotal time, as we enter the final phase of our campaign,” Gaby said. “The momentum we’ve built is powerful, and I am excited to lead and capitalize on the exceptional work happening across the division. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented and committed team as we strive to bring this campaign home and elevate Miami’s impact for generations to come.”

Prior to her current role, Jill served as assistant vice president for development, Regional Programs, where she led the university’s largest team of major gift fundraisers. Her earlier roles include senior director of development for Regional Programs and director of development for the Central and Northeast Ohio regions.  

Other staff transitions

Gaby’s long tenure and strong relationships will also prepare her to lead the division as it navigates other transitions and staff changes.

Ryan Elias has recently left his role as senior associate vice president and chief development officer to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Scouting America; Lee Weldon, senior associate vice president for development, will serve as interim chief development officer, fulfilling the role held by Elias. Weldon joined the division two years ago following a national search, and in that time, she has built a strong track record of leadership and results. She has successfully led the central development teams, demonstrating strategic vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to Miami’s mission. She has skillfully rebuilt teams, managed numerous development officer searches, and aligned development talent with both current and emerging fundraising priorities and initiatives. 

Susanne Sadler will retire on July 3 as assistant vice president and campaign director; and Mackenzie Rice ‘99 has announced that she will be leaving her role as associate vice president and president of the Foundation Board for a new opportunity with The Mayo Clinic. The university will work with the Foundation Board to install a new Foundation Board president upon Rice’s departure.

“During this time of transition, continuity is imperative. I will rely on the strength and stability of our senior leadership team to support their staff and maintain the momentum behind our incredible work. Together, we will keep our focus firmly on the future—with a clear goal of successfully completing our $1 billion campaign by June 30, 2027,” Gaby said. 

Gaby earned her B.A. in Speech Communication from Miami University, is a Miami Merger (Mike Gaby ‘91) and a proud Miami parent (Betsy Gaby ’22).