The National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) is excited to announce the 17 individuals selected for the 2022 Bobby Purcell Mentor Program.

"The Bobby Purcell Mentoring Program ensures that NAADD will continue to develop leaders from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the development industry," said NAADD Executive Committee member Grant Kelly, senior associate athletics director/development at Johns Hopkins University. "I'd like to personally congratulate our 2022-2023 class that will participate in the program. Relationships that are developed through the Bobby Purcell Mentoring Program will ensure that our membership continues to grow and thrive for years to come." 

Bobby Purcell, of whom the program is named after, has served in a number of capacities since joining the NC State athletics department in 1981. He was Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club from 1991 until he retired in 2020 and in July 2020, he was named a Special Assistant to Athletics Director Boo Corrigan. Purcell has been a champion for mentoring fundraisers on his campus and around the nation his entire career. Purcell's influence is widespread in college athletics, as 26 former staff members serve at other universities, including two athletics directors: Jimmy Bass at UNC-Wilmington and Karlton Creech at the University of Denver. This continued focus on broadening the learning opportunities for the entire membership will allow our organization and our campuses to draw on the power of fresh ideas and perspectives. Purcell served as NAADD President in 2004-05, and was named the 2007 NAADD Fundraiser of the Year and 2014 NAADD Lifetime Achievement honoree.

Bobby Purcell Mentor Class of 2022: