Grasty named Gillings School’s associate dean for advancement
September 26, 2017
Karissa Grasty
Karissa Grasty has been named associate dean for advancement at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, effective Nov. 1.
Grasty is an experienced development manager and sophisticated, successful fundraiser with a diverse background in both higher education and nonprofit organizations. She currently serves as assistant dean for advancement for both The University of Miami’s College of Engineering and its School of Nursing and Health Studies. During her tenure there, she has been responsible for the design and overall development strategy for the two professional schools, both of which exceeded their annual fund raising goals after the strategies were implemented.
“We are delighted that Karissa will be joining us in this important leadership position,” said Barbara K. Rimer, DrPH, dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor at the Gillings School. “Our search committee, which was a terrific group chaired by Vice Dean Todd Nicolet, PhD, recognized her as a seasoned development professional who will bring energy, experience and commitment to the upcoming UNC-wide fundraising campaign. The leadership team and I look forward to working with her to increase opportunities for our students and faculty members and to bring to reality our exciting School priorities. She joins a great School and a very strong advancement team. Karissa is a North Carolina native who returns to our state with deep experience, commitment and enthusiasm.”
Grasty has more than 20 years’ experience in fundraising, with significant leadership roles at every stop in her career. Before coming to The University of Miami, she served as director of development at The University of California at Los Angeles’ Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science (2012-2014) and associate director of development and interim co-executive director at the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture (2009-2012). From 2000 to 2009, she was an events specialist and manager of corporate relations at The J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles. At the Getty, she launched the corporate development program and established partnerships with numerous of Fortune 100 companies.
She is an alumna of the University of Georgia at Athens, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, public relations and political science, with a minor in business administration.
“Joining the Gillings School is a great honor and privilege,” Grasty said. “I look forward to building upon a history of successful fundraising and working with the talented staff, faculty and community collaborators to advance the School’s commitment to public health across North Carolina and around the world.”
Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: David Pesci, director of communications, (919) 962-2600 or dpesci@unc.edu
