RALEIGH, N.C. - The Wolfpack Club has found its new leader, as prominent fundraiser Ben Broussard has been hired as the organization's new Executive Director, it was announced on Tuesday. Broussard will replace long-time leader Bobby Purcell, who is retiring after 33 years of service to the Wolfpack Club.
 
"Early in this process Ben stood out, both based on his significant background and accomplishments, but also his vision for the Wolfpack Club and NC State Athletics," said Boo Corrigan, Director of Athletics. "We're thrilled to have Ben join our team and lead our fundraising efforts. On behalf of NC State Athletics, we welcome Ben, his wife Dana and their three children to Raleigh."
 
"Ben is a great hire for NC State and the Wolfpack Club," said Purcell. "We've known each other for a number of years and I hold him in the highest regard. I think Ben is a terrific fit for NC State and I know our community is going to love getting to know him better in the years to come."
 
Broussard joins the Wolfpack Club from the University of Colorado, where since October 2017 he has overseen all aspects of the athletic department's fundraising arm, the Buff Club, as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Senior Associate Athletic Director.
 
"I would like to thank the Wolfpack Club Board and Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan for giving me an opportunity to be a part of one of the finest Universities and Athletic Departments in the nation," said Broussard. "Dana and I are very excited to bring our family to Raleigh where we hope to quickly become ingrained in the culture and local community.
 
"NC State Athletics has a tremendous history filled with some of the most passionate and generous fans in the country.  I look forward to developing strong relationships with our supporters and building on the successes and legacy of Bobby Purcell and to continue to provide world class support for Wolfpack student-athletes."  
 
In his time in Boulder, Broussard hit several notable milestones, including a 17 percent increase in fundraising his initial year, followed by an annual fundraising record of $26,000,000 in his second year at Colorado. Within his first two years on the job, he and his team secured 5 of the largest gifts in Colorado Athletics history.  In addition, Broussard served on the campus fundraising leadership team that coordinated the efforts on a record fundraising year for CU Boulder.  
 
Broussard joined Colorado after a successful stint at his alma mater, LSU, in which he was elevated to the position of Vice President for Development for the Tiger Athletic Foundation.
 
While in Baton Rouge, Broussard helped lead efforts on several key areas, including developing and implementing a marketing and sales strategy that led to the sale of over $45 million in premium seat inventory; executing a strategy that raised over $90 million philanthropically from 2014-17 for the needs of LSU; cultivating the relationship to secure a $40 million planned gift for the benefit of LSU Engineering and LSU Athletics; designing and executing the Preservation of Tiger Stadium campaign to raise over $12 million to refurbish the iconic venue; and implementing a plan that led to his team raising over $12 million for the construction of a state of the art nutrition center for student-athletes in 18 months.
 
Prior to his last post at LSU, Broussard served as its director of development from 2006 to 2010, and as a development officer from 2004 to 2006.  

Broussard has presented multiple times at national conferences, including the Southeastern, Big 12, NAADD (National Association of Athletic Development Directors) and CASE Louisiana conferences.  He has been on NAADD's executive committee since 2015 and is President elect, an organization Purcell also served as President in 2004-05.

He graduated from LSU with a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology in 1999 and earned his Masters of Science degree in 2001.  

Broussard is from Lafayette, La., and graduated from Acadiana (La.) High School, where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He is married to the former Dana Russo, and the couple have three children, sons Jude and Evan and daughter Evie.  

What They Are Saying …

"The search committee had an excellent group of candidates to consider for this prestigious position and Ben quickly became a frontrunner for our leadership position. After a thorough evaluation of all the finalists, there was a very strong consensus among the search committee members that Ben is the right person to be the next Executive director of the Wolfpack Club. He has the right skill set, experience, personality and drive to lead the Wolfpack Club into the future. We look forward to Ben having a fantastic career at the WPC." - Brian McMurray, President of the Wolfpack Club Board

 "I'm really pleased to join in welcoming Ben to the Wolfpack family.  His background as an experienced fundraiser and effective administrator will allow for an even stronger partnership between Athletics fundraising and the overall comprehensive Advancement program at NC State.  We're all looking forward to working with Ben, and I have no doubt he will hit the ground running." - Brian Sischo, Vice Chancellor, University Advancement

"Ben Broussard will be a wonderful addition for the Wolfpack Club. Starting as a young development officer, Ben rose through the ranks of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, eventually becoming the Vice-President for Development and heading our fund-raising efforts. TAF has played a vital role in the success of LSU Athletics over the past three decades and Ben was a key player. Ben has continued to grow his career and managerial experience while at Colorado. The Wolfpack Club has made an excellent hire and Ben will lead them to many successes." - Rick Perry, President and CEO, LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation

"Ben is an outstanding fundraiser and administrator.  He has been instrumental in leading our Buff Club team to historical highs in our fundraising efforts over the past few years.  I am confident that Ben will lead the Wolfpack fundraising team to new highs as well and I look forward to following his success.  I wish he, Dana and his family the very best in his new role." - Rick George, Director of Athletics, University of Colorado