Brigitte Grant, a philanthropic strategist with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, and team development, has been named associate vice president for development at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

In this newly designed position, Grant will lead the major gifts, gift planning, volunteer and patient relations, and annual giving and university alumni relations initiatives, advancing the mission of UTHealth by seeking and securing philanthropic support for its programs in service to students and the community.

“As a change agent focused on building a philanthropic culture through collaboration, Brigitte brings extensive leadership and management experience to this new role,” said Kevin J. Foyle, MBA, CFRE, vice president for development and public affairs at UTHealth. “She also shares our passion for supporting health science education, research, and clinical care. We are thrilled Brigitte has become one of the many faces of UTHealth committed to making a positive impact in our community.”

Prior to joining the UTHealth Office of Development, Grant most recently served as senior associate vice chancellor for development at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. From 2011 to 2013, she directed the advancement, development, and alumni initiatives for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. From 1987 to 2011, Grant served in multiple roles at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, including chief development officer and vice president.

Grant’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional work. She is a longtime member of Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Institutional Advancement. She is a past officer and board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Illinois Chapter. In 2005, Grant was the recipient of AFP’s Ian T. Sturrock Outstanding Fundraising Executive. She also has served in numerous leadership roles at the district and local club levels of Rotary International.

“As the most comprehensive academic health science center in The University of Texas System, UTHealth is a health care leader both in Texas and throughout the U.S.,” Grant said. “I look forward to working with the entire UTHealth team to elevate philanthropic partnerships. Through donor investment, new knowledge is created, exceptional patient care is delivered, and the next century’s health care providers are educated.”

Grant earned her master of business administration from Bradley University and her bachelor of science in psychology and sociology from Illinois State University.