Gillings School’s Advancement team welcomes four new members

August 23, 2023

The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health’s Advancement team is welcoming four new members who will join a dedicated team of advancement professionals to enhance fundraising efforts and donor engagement. Advancement collaborates with donors of all levels to provide crucial support for education, research and practice at the Gillings School, and the new team members will amplify this vital work.

“We are thrilled to welcome new members to the team,” says Karissa Grasty, associate dean of advancement. “These experienced fundraising professionals will contribute to the growth and success of the public health community.”

Jim Ervin

Jim Ervin has been named the senior director of development for the Gillings School.

The two-time UNC-Chapel Hill graduate holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communication (’96) and a Master of Arts degree in sports administration (’98). He began his advancement career at UNC’s School of Public Health in 2000, serving as first assistant director and later, associate director of development during the Carolina First Campaign. Most recently, he worked as the assistant vice chancellor for development at North Carolina Central University, where he was responsible for securing principal and major gifts in support of institutional priorities and initiatives.

“I am incredibly grateful to be returning home to serve the Gillings School of Global Public Health,” says Ervin. “It will be a joy to reconnect and team up with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students and campus colleagues to support the School and its work to achieve a healthier Tar Heel State and world.”

Brad Mallard

Ervin’s passion for public health is inspired both by the life of his late nephew, Zachary Woodard, who was born with muscular dystrophy, and the fact that he grew up surrounded by family members who were dedicated to improving public health locally and globally. His commitment to teamwork dates from his undergraduate days when he served as a Carolina Basketball manager under Coach Dean Smith.

He will rejoin the Gillings School on August 28, while three of his new colleagues will start on September 5.

Brad Mallard will serve as the Gillings School’s director of corporate and foundation relations.

In this integral position, he will spearhead fundraising among corporations and private foundations. Mallard brings extensive fundraising experience to the role, which he developed at both Carolina and Duke University. Most recently, he served as assistant dean for advancement at the UNC School of Government. Earlier in his career, he taught high school and middle school English and social studies in Raleigh, N.C.

Patrick Carney

Patrick Carney is joining the Gillings advancement team as assistant director for operations and volunteer management.

He will be responsible for operations and finance duties that include tracking fundraising progress and budget expenses. He will assist the associate dean of advancement with high-level constituent relations and serve as primary liaison to the School’s volunteer boards. Carney has years of experience in donor relationship management, budget tracking and event coordination at organizations including the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Cat’s Cradle music venue in Carrboro, N.C.

Stewart McCain is the School’s new development associate.

Stewart McCain

In this role, she will support major gift activities and frontline fundraisers by assisting with administrative, scheduling and travel-related duties. McCain’s essential presence on the team will enable development officers to devote more of their time to donor cultivation. She comes to UNC Gillings from Ronald McDonald House of the Carolinas, where she served as communications and volunteer manager.

“We are so excited to welcome a great group of new team members to the Gillings School community,” said Nancy Messonnier, MD, dean and Bryson Distinguished Professor in Public Health. “By helping us fulfill our commitment to building and sustaining alumni and donor relations, they will be a key asset to public health and Carolina.”

Contact the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health communications team at sphcomm@unc.edu.