In September 2016, Joe Foley was appointed Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement. A former collegiate student-athlete, Foley has a demonstrated record of leadership and fundraising success. Foley plays a critical role in Intercollegiate Athletics’ leadership, with a broad range of strategic and management responsibilities. He directs all aspects of fundraising and student-athlete alumni relations for Penn State Athletics, providing the vision and direction for all ICA advancement efforts. Foley oversees major gift fundraising and the Nittany Lion Club, which secures annual support from more than 26,000 donors each year and is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the nation.
Foley joined the Nittany Lions’ staff after serving at the University of Maryland as Deputy Athletic Director for Development. During Foley’s tenure at Maryland, he provided leadership for all aspects of Maryland Athletics’ fundraising initiatives including the Cole Fieldhouse renovation. Serving as the Executive Director of the Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund, his team’s accomplishments included securing over 50 new major gift commitments of $50,000 or more, while growing the athletics annual fund by 38 percent. Additionally, membership to the Terrapin Club’s Directors Circle, donors who give $25,000 per year, increased by approximately 70 percent during that time. Prior to his tenure at Maryland, Foley spent 4½ years on the Athletic Development staff at Boston College. During his time at BC, he oversaw all major giving activities which contributed to more than 160 new commitments of at least $100,000, including 16 new seven-figure commitments.
From Worcester, Massachusetts, Foley also has served at Ohio University and the University of Richmond in development, marketing, ticket operations and sales capacities. Foley was a four-year letter winner on the Northeastern University track and field team, helping the Huskies win five America East Conference titles. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master’s of Sport Administration from Ohio University.
Foley resides in State College with his wife, Emily and their sons, Thomas, James, and Peter.
