National Rowing Foundation Announces New Director of Development, Dave Vogel

December 1, 2009

Dave Vogel has just been named the new Director of Development for the National Rowing Foundation. Vogel, a former US Rowing National Team athlete and coach, was most recently Senior Associate Director of Development of Major Gifts at Yale University.

“I am very excited that we have hired such a high caliber, experienced development professional for this critical position,” Anne Martin, co-Chairman of the National Rowing Foundation stated.  Dick Cashin, a co-Chairman and Trustee of the NRF added, “Dave brings a love of rowing, an understanding of the challenges facing our National Teams and a great skill set in fundraising to our organization. We are thrilled to have him and I am confident he will be a driving force in taking the NRF for the next level.”

“The mission of the NRF has never been more important,” said Vogel.  “Rowing is expanding on all fronts and we need to stand ready to meet the increasing financial challenges of the future.  The leadership team at the NRF is perfectly suited to this task and I am eager to join them as their Director of Development.”

Vogel brings an impressive background to the NRF. Prior to his six years as a Senior Associate Director for Major Gifts in Yale University’s development office, Vogel completed an impressive career as the Head Coach of Yale’s Heavyweight Men’s crew. Prior to that, Vogel coached Yale’s lightweight crew, leading them to a top three finish in every league championship for a decade, and directed the Association of Yale Alumni.

Vogel is uniquely qualified to lead the NRF’s efforts to build a substantial financial foundation for U.S. athletes, having been part of the US National Teams in several roles. Vogel has coached and competed at the highest levels of rowing, spending several years as a National team member in the 1970s and coaching the silver medal lightweight eight in 1988. As President of the Board of Directors of the USRowing Association from 1995 to 2000, Vogel led the national sports governing body during a period of financial and competitive success. Vogel is a sought-after announcer, and has been a key part of the broadcast team for the Olympic Games, World Championships, US Nationals and other major rowing events.

As Director of Development, Vogel will work with the Executive Director and board of the NRF to construct a long term strategy for fundraising, donor stewardship, endowment planning and organizational development. Vogel will also work closely with Glenn Merry, the CEO of USRowing, in his efforts.

“I’m thrilled to see Dave Vogel join the NRF staff, and I look forward to helping him in his efforts to lead the charge in supporting our National Teams,” said Merry. “Behind the USOC, the NRF is the largest supporter of our National Teams. Their efforts on behalf of our athletes have been tremendous.”

NRF Executive Director, Hart Perry, commented, “Dave Vogel is the perfect person to assume this position. His rowing background as a competitor, national team athlete, coach at the collegiate and international levels, and President of USRowing is outstanding. Add to this his exceptional professional fundraising experience and his passion for the sport and I am confident that Dave will add tremendous value to the organization.”

Vogel is a graduate of Yale University, where he was Captain of the Lightweight Crew.

The mission of the NRF is to support athletes who pursue excellence in rowing with the primary goal of promoting the United States' participation in international competition. Since its inception in 1966, the NRF has provided hundreds of grants to the U.S. National Team through the generosity of its supporters. Those grants provide travel, housing and equipment for our Olympic and World Championship rowing teams. The NRF also provides for the preservation of rowing history, and manages the Rowing Hall of Fame.