Letter from the Executive Director: October 1, 2026

Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends,

It’s been a bittersweet week. On Tuesday, I announced that, effective June 30, 2027, I will retire as executive director of your Notre Dame Alumni Association. It would be impossible to neatly sum up all that I’ve been thinking and feeling over the past few days and in the months leading up to this decision, but perhaps let me start here: Thank you.

My 18 years at the Alumni Association have been an embarrassment of riches. When I took this job, I was cautioned that once I peeked behind the curtain my view of Notre Dame would never be the same. And they were right—it only got better. From the enormous talent of my campus colleagues who never lost sight of our mission to the tireless work of our alumni, parents, and friends who keep the Notre Dame spirit alive wherever they are, I’ve had a front-row seat to the very best of this place. Over and over again, you have proved to me why Notre Dame is so special, and not a day has gone by where I have doubted our capacity to be a force for good in the world.

My peers at other institutions often tell me how much they wish they had an alumni base like ours. I used to wonder what they meant, but later came to realize that while they have to work to ignite passion, at Notre Dame, we simply have to find a way to harness it. There’s a freedom in that, where more of our time can be devoted to building programming that meets our alumni, parents, and friends where they are, resonates with them, and brings them closer to the University and each other. Whether it’s been the growth of FaithND, the introduction of ThinkND and IrishCompass, the expansion of our clubs and groups networks, or the explosion of digital engagement, I’m proud to say we’ve done just that. And we’re just getting started.

Though my tenure now has an end date, my eyes remain on the future. Over the next nine months, I plan to continue to find ways to forge and strengthen the bonds that make the Notre Dame family what it is. And if you happen to see me around campus, at a game, or at a University event, please say hello. I will always stop and listen to your Notre Dame story.

In the coming weeks, the University will begin a global search for the Alumni Association’s next executive director. If you’re interested in the role or know someone you think would make a great leader, we want to hear from you. The posting will go live on careers.nd.edu on Monday, October 5, so keep your eyes peeled. I may be biased, but it is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.

All the best,