Brian Mann Named Chief Development Officer for Cal Athletics

BERKELEY – Brian Mann, a former football student-athlete who has held senior fundraising positions at Rice and Dartmouth, has been named Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Development Officer for Cal Athletics, Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton announced Tuesday.

In addition, Knowlton promoted Beth Voetsch, who has served as Cal's Interim Chief Development Officer the past 18 months, to Associate Athletic Director for Development.

"I am thrilled to have Brian join our department to lead our development staff as part of our increased commitment to growing philanthropy for Cal Athletics," Knowlton said. "Brian has led fundraising at two high academic institutions, and he has significant major-gift experience both in athletics and at the central campus level, which will be critical as we move into our upcoming comprehensive campaign. We have set ambitious goals for our department, and I am confident with Brian, Beth and the team we have in place that we are well positioned to achieve them."

Mann comes to Berkeley after spending the past four years at Rice, where he served in a variety of fundraising roles of increasing responsibility, including as Senior Associate AD/CDO since October 2017. In that capacity, Mann was a member of the Rice athletic department's senior management team and oversaw all development-related activities within the department, including major gifts, annual giving, stewardship, events and premium areas. He also led the formation of a business case for the athletics portion of the Rice University capital campaign.

In addition, Mann oversaw several areas outside of the development office, serving as sports supervisor for the men's basketball program and acting as the primary point of contact between the athletic department and the office of admissions for all 16 Rice sports.

Mann joined Rice Athletics in November of 2014 as Director of Development, and he was elevated to Associate Athletic Director for Development in July 2015.

"I'm excited to join the Cal Athletics family and am grateful to Jim Knowlton, as well as to everyone who was a part of the interview process, for this incredible opportunity," Mann said. "To be a part of the top public institution in the country and to have the chance to compete for a national championship in every sport, all while working to increase resources for student-athletes who represent the very best of college athletics, is truly an honor. I look forward to partnering with all those who support our student-athletes to help build upon the levels of success that have become synonymous with Cal Athletics."

Prior to his time at Rice, Mann spent five years at his alma mater, Dartmouth, starting as director of football operations from 2009-11. He became the Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations in 2011, overseeing the Friends of Dartmouth Football annual fundraising and supporting fundraising efforts for 15 additional teams and 33 club sport programs. From 2013-14, Mann was the Managing Director for Leadership Giving in the Dartmouth Office of Advancement, where he was tasked with securing major gifts for the university.

Mann's additional experience includes being the Associate Director of Marketing & Business Development for the Advisory Board Company in Washington, D.C., from 2008-09 and Manager of Business Development at Tefen, USA in New York from 2007-08. During this period, he remained connected to football, working for the New England Sports Network (NESN) as a broadcaster at FCS football games in 2007 and 2008, ranging from sideline reporter to analyst in the booth.

As an undergraduate at Dartmouth, Mann played quarterback and set the school record for passing yards in a season with 2,913 in 2002 when he completed nearly 60 percent of his passes and tossed 19 touchdowns. His 5,912 career passing yards are second on the Big Green's all-time list.

Mann earned his bachelor's degree in history in 2002 and a master's degree in liberal studies in 2013, both from Dartmouth. Following his undergraduate years, he embarked on a professional career as quarterback for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League from 2003-06. He was voted the Avenger Man of the Year in 2003 for his community service efforts.

While in Los Angeles, Mann also acted as a stunt double in several films, including for Adam Sandler in The Longest Yard (2004), as well as the films Invincible (2005) and The Game Plan (2006).

Mann will begin his duties at Cal on Feb. 21.

As Interim Chief Development Officer, Voetsch oversaw a Cal fundraising effort that exceeded $30 million in gifts for the fiscal year that closed on June 30, 2018 – the athletic department's highest contribution total in five years. She also led efforts to develop the comprehensive campaign plan for Cal Athletics and continued the momentum of positional endowments. Voetsch began her tenure at Cal in 2009 with the Athletic Ticket Office, first as Associate Director and later as Director of Ticket Operations.

Voetsch moved to Stanford as Director of Ticket Operations and Services for the entire university from 2013-15 before returning to Cal in April 2015 as Assistant Athletic Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations.

Voetsch previously worked as Assistant Director of Ticket Operations at the University of Miami from 2007-08 and was a graduate assistant in the ticket office at Marshall University from 2006-07. A competitive swimmer and team captain at Wingate University, she earned her bachelor's degree in sports administration in 2006 and received a master's in sports administration from Marshall in 2007.

"I want to thank Beth for the job she has done as our interim Chief Development Officer, and I am delighted that she has accepted our offer of a promotion to Associate Athletic Director," Knowlton said. "She is a valuable member of our department and will play an essential role in growing our development operations. Together with Brian and Beth, we have two people with an impactful combination of skills that will help us move into the next chapter of Cal Athletics and be exceptional in our philanthropic efforts."