Western Carolina University

Brittany Kicklighter, is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina. 

With more than 15 years of experience in athletics fundraising, donor engagement and campaign strategy, Kicklighter brings a proven track record of securing major gifts and building strong donor pipelines, Cogdill said.

Prior to joining WCU, she served as senior director of philanthropy at Dream On 3, where she led fundraising strategies for a national nonprofit supporting collegiate athletics programs. Her experience also includes development positions at UNC Charlotte, where she played a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support for athletics and university-wide initiatives and managed a multi million-dollar portfolio.

Kicklighter will lead major gift fundraising efforts in support of the WCU Athletics Program, working closely with donors, alumni and university leadership to enhance facilities, scholarships and student-athlete experiences.