Chad Kimmel
Chad Kimmel was named Assistant Athletic Director for Development in 2014 after eight years with the UW Development office. In his role he serves as the head of the Wisconsin Athletic Development Office, leading a talented staff of development professionals and overseeing annual giving, major gifts, scholarship endowments, premium seating and fund raising initiatives for capital projects.
Kimmel came to Madison in 2008 in the role of Assistant Director of Development. He was promoted to Director of Development in 2010 and later to Senior Director of Development. In 2013, he transitioned to lead all Major Gift projects prior to his current role.
During his tenure at Wisconsin, Kimmel has been a valued member of the development team responsible for securing over $75 million for capital projects, $30 million in endowed scholarship funding, and growing the annual fund from $8 million to over $14 million.
Kimmel has lead the fundraising efforts for various major gift projects including the Stephen M. Bennett Student–Athlete Performance Center, a Volleyball Locker Room Renovation, the Soderholm Family Aquatic Center, the renovated Outdoor Tennis Stadium, the Kohl Center Expansion and the $20 million Nicholas Match Campaign for endowed scholarships for Badger student–athletes.
Before arriving at Wisconsin, Kimmel worked at Kansas State University where he served as a graduate assistant of athletic marketing from 2002–2003, assistant director of athletic marketing from 2003–2005 and assistant director of athletic development from 2005–2007.
Kimmel is an active member in the National Athletic Directors of Development (NAADD) professional organization, an affiliate of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and has participated as a presenter at their annual conference.
Kimmel earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Austin Peay in 2002. He continued his education at Kansas State University earning a master’s degree in college student personnel in 2004 and participated in the Ph.D. program in higher education administration–student affairs.
Kimmel and his wife, Casey, have four children: Kennedy, Will, Kate, and Lou.