American University

Lindsey Campbell serves as Chief Development Officer for American University Athletics and Recreation and is a member of the department's senior leadership team. Throughout her career, Campbell has secured more than $15 million in philanthropic support for intercollegiate athletics. In her role, she leads the department's comprehensive athletics advancement program, overseeing fundraising strategy, major and leadership giving, annual philanthropy, capital and endowment initiatives, and stewardship in support of American's 16 varsity sport programs and 400+ student-athletes. In addition, she also serves as secondary sport administrator for men's basketball. 

Now in her fifth year at American, Campbell has transformed Athletics’ approach to philanthropy, positioning fundraising as a strategic driver of student-athlete success, competitive excellence, and long-term growth. She has led four consecutive years of fundraising growth. During FY26, Athletics secured more than $4.3 million in new commitments and recorded the university’s highest donor and alumni participation. Several sports set new program fundraising records, Champions Fund commitments grew 86%, and Athletics set a Giving Day record for the fourth consecutive year.

Campbell also played a central role in the successful completion of the Change Can’t Wait campaign for Athletics, which generated $27.3 million for the Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, scholarships, endowments, and student-athlete development. Her donor-centered approach pairs gift strategy with meaningful engagement through signature events like the Cassell Hall of Fame, Tip-Off Dinner, and annual Eagles Club Golf Classic. Through this work, she connects generations of Eagles with opportunities to invest in the student-athlete experience and the future of American University Athletics.

Prior to joining American, Campbell held fundraising and revenue generation roles positions at George Mason University, both for Athletics and in University Advancement, where she contributed to record-setting fundraising efforts and  secured more than $3 million in philanthropic support during the Faster Farther Campaign. She began her career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, working in premium suite services and ticket sales.

Campbell is an member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) and served as the Patriot League's representative to the organization in 2025. She is a co-author of "Wearing Multiple Hats in a Small Development Shop," published through NACDA, and remains engaged in advancing the profession through mentorship, leadership, and service.

A Pittsburgh native, Campbell made Northern Virginia her second home while attending George Mason University. Mason’s historic Final Four run during her undergraduate years transformed her lifelong love of sports into a passion for college athletics. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctorate from the university. 

In addition to her work in athletics advancement, she has taught sport management courses at her alma mater for more than a decade, helping prepare future leaders in the sport industry. Her research and writing focus on  leadership, power, and organizational discourse, as well as fundraising strategy and relationship building in intercollegiate athletics.