VP for Resource Development Julie Lucas to step down

Dear members of the MIT community,

I write to let you know that, after more than a decade of service, Julie A. Lucas has advised me of her decision to step down as MIT’s vice president for resource development (VPRD). She has set her last day as June 30, which coincides with the close of the Institute’s current fiscal year, to ensure a smooth transition for our staff and donors.

Since Julie joined MIT as VPRD, she has transformed our fundraising enterprise, invigorating philanthropic support for the Institute by effectively engaging alumni, friends, corporations and foundations across the country and around the world and inspiring them to support MIT’s mission.

Before I arrived at MIT, Julie collaborated closely with then-President Reif in leading the record-setting MIT Campaign for a Better World, which concluded in June 2021 after raising $6.2 billion. Under Julie’s leadership, MIT’s annual average fundraising total rose 96% to $611 million, up from $313 million in the decade before her tenure. In addition, annual fundraising totals exceeded the Institute’s annual $500 million fundraising target for nine straight fiscal years—including the current cycle and a few banner years with results upwards of $700 to $900 million.

You can read more about Julie’s accomplishments in this MIT News story.

As Julie takes this important step, I want to express my personal gratitude for the care and dedication that she, her team and the MIT Alumni Association took in introducing me to alumni and friends beyond the borders of our campus. Throughout my Welcome Tour and in preparing for many other meetings with longtime and prospective supporters, Julie helped me understand the values and aspirations that motivate their generosity, volunteerism and lifelong engagement with MIT.

I will begin a search for Julie’s successor immediately. If you have advice about the qualities to look for in our next VPRD or if you’d like to recommend one or more candidates, please write to me directly at VPRDsearch@mit.edu. I will keep any correspondence confidential.

I close with gratitude to Eric Grimson, who has agreed to serve as interim VPRD while the search continues. He will begin this work on July 1, in addition to his current job as chancellor for academic advancement.

Sincerely,

Sally Kornbluth