George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Brad Edwards announced Thursday that Lauren Bird, an industry leader in collegiate athletics fundraising, has been named the department's Director of Advancement.
 
Bird will lead athletics major gift fundraising efforts through Mason's endowed scholarship program and manage all development-focused programs designed to increase philanthropic support.  She will direct the athletic department's development staff, with oversight of the Patriot Club.
 
Bird, who boasts an extensive background in higher education fundraising at both Arizona State University and Wright State University, will start at Mason on February 18.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the George Mason University family," Edwards said. "Lauren has secured significant philanthropic contributions at the Power 5 and I-AAA levels, as well as in a University academic capacity. This holistic experience is impressive and will make Lauren a great fit for George Mason. I am confident she will provide a distinct leadership voice for our department, help advance our ambitious set of athletics initiatives and greatly enhance our ability to generate revenue."
 
 A graduate of Arizona State, Bird comes to Fairfax after more than five years in development at her alma mater with the Sun Devil Club and the University. She most recently served as associate director of development for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering for nearly two years. She moved to that position after three years with the Sun Devil Club, including a year as the director of major gifts.
 
"I am excited about the opportunity to engage Mason Nation around the rapidly ascending athletic program at George Mason University," said Bird. "I look forward to working with George Mason leadership to build powerful relationships with alumni and friends around the country."
 
In her position with the school of engineering at Arizona State, Bird was successful in securing contributions of a minimum of $50,000, which helped leadership generate $5.6 million in philanthropic gifts during the 2017-18 fiscal year. She also redeveloped and managed an Industry Advisory Council, a group that connects the mutual needs of business, development and education to assist the school's mission.
 
In Bird's three years with the Sun Devil Club, she worked closely with senior leadership to raise an impressive $210 million for the renovation of Sun Devil Stadium. For the project, Bird worked to identify, cultivate and secure major gifts at the $25,000 level and above.
 
While at Arizona State, Bird also served as a leading voice for gender equity at the Power 5 level. She established and managed a Women's Leadership Team aimed at providing support for women's athletics. This initiative included broadening participation in the Wings of Gold Fund, a fundraising umbrella for women's sports, and the development of relationships with female leaders in the greater Tempe community. 
 
Prior to her time at ASU, Bird spent two years working for the Wright State University Foundation while completing her master's in public administration in 2011.
 
Bird earned her bachelor's in political science from Arizona State in 2007.
 
Bird and her husband, James, have two children: a son, Myles, and a daughter, Ryann.