From The Citadel Foundation
The Citadel Foundation (TCF) has named L. Keith Todd to lead the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer. Todd will assume the role on August 1, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in higher‑education, strategic fundraising, and organizational growth. Todd currently serves as Vice President for Development and University Relations at the University of Tampa.
“We are excited to welcome Keith and his wife, Jessica, to The Citadel community,” said Luke Kissam, ’86, chairman of The Citadel Foundation Board of Directors. “His South Carolina roots, combined with his enthusiasm and successful track record of fundraising, partnership building and leading high-performing teams makes him an exceptional fit for this role. We are confident he will continue to advance the fundraising momentum, growth, and impact the Foundation has experienced over the last decade.”
Todd previously served as President of the Oregon Health & Sciences University Foundation, where he architected and led the historic Knight Cancer Institute Challenge, a $500 million two-year challenge gift considered to be the largest matching gift campaign in U.S. philanthropic history, ultimately raising $1.4 billion. As Senior Vice President at the University of Illinois Foundation, he led a campaign surpassing $250 million to establish full‑tuition merit scholarships to attract and retain the best and brightest students.
He has also held leadership roles as Vice President at the Medical College of Georgia and Executive Director of the School of Public Health Foundation at UNC-Chapel Hill. A native South Carolinian, Todd earned his bachelor’s degree at Clemson University and the Master of Education in Institutional Advancement degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Todd has led advancement programs that achieved record‑setting fundraising totals, expanded donor engagement, supported academic and athletic programs, and strengthened institutional reputation. His career has focused primarily on comprehensive campaign fundraising, from billion-dollar campaigns at Oregon, Illinois, and Ohio State to campaigns at the University of Tampa and UNC Public Health with goals in the hundreds of millions. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and a clear focus on the professional development of his team to achieve success in support of The Citadel’s mission and vision.
“I am honored to join The Citadel Foundation and deeply inspired by the college’s mission of developing principled leaders who serve their country and communities with the college’s core values of honor, duty, and respect,” Todd said. “The Citadel’s alumni, donors, and friends care profoundly about this institution, and I look forward to partnering with them to advance its future. Together, we will build on the Foundation’s strong legacy and ensure that The Citadel continues to thrive for generations to come.”
As President and CEO, Todd will oversee all philanthropic strategy and operations for The Citadel Foundation, including endowment growth, major gifts, donor stewardship, and long‑term fundraising initiatives that support academic excellence, leadership development, athletics programs and facilities, and the college’s strategic plan. He will work closely with donors and stakeholders to strengthen the institution’s culture of philanthropy and expand opportunities for cadets and students.
The Citadel Foundation plays a vital role in supporting scholarships, faculty development, academic and athletic programs, and strategic initiatives across the college. Todd’s appointment marks a significant step in the Foundation’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and donor engagement.
Todd and his wife, Jessica, have three children and one grandchild. He values traveling and being introduced to new cultures, food, and people. He also enjoys coastal living and any recreational activities on the beach and on the water.
About The Citadel Foundation
The Citadel Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to securing, managing, and stewarding philanthropic support for The Citadel. It is currently engaged in the $300 million Our Mighty Citadel comprehensive campaign to support and advance The Citadel’s current six-year strategic plan, concluding on December 31. Through the generosity of alumni, donors, and friends, the Foundation strengthens the college’s mission of educating and developing principled leaders.
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