The Institute for Sport and Social Justice Adds Fundraising Champion to Roster
Global sports leadership nonprofit expands leadership team with new hire from University of Michigan
ORLANDO – February 7, 2024 – The Institute for Sport and Social Justice, a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community on gender-based violence, the full range of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and leadership development, is pleased to announce a new addition to their leadership team. Whitney Tarver joins the Institute as the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Development. In this newly created role, Tarver will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts and help steward prospects to support the vision and goals of the Institute.
“We are thrilled to welcome Whitney to our huddle! Through our recently completed strategic planning process, it became increasingly clear that we needed a 21st century development leader to propel us to make the type of change we desire in the world. Whitney is that leader, as well as a proven fundraiser, creative thinker, exceptional presence and communicator, and a former hooper!” said Dr. Jeffrey O’Brien, the Institute’s CEO.
Whitney Tarver will serve as the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Development. She joins the Institute after spending five years in higher education philanthropy and 13 years overall in intercollegiate athletic administration at the University of Michigan (U-M). During her time in Ann Arbor, Whitney held several roles including Director of Development, where she oversaw major gift fundraising efforts for the southern states region. In recognition of her efforts to advance the mission of the university, her commitment to service and building relationships, and positive impact on the development community, Whitney was presented with a Victors Valiant Award in 2021.
The Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Development will manage all fundraising efforts and is responsible for the development, management, and execution of a comprehensive strategy to cultivate and steward prospects to support the vision and goals of the Institute. This role will also lead the organization’s efforts to identify and establish strategic partnerships.
To learn more about The Institute’s work and partnerships, visit www.sportandsocialjustice.org.
About The Institute for Sport & Social Justice: At The Institute for Sport & Social Justice, we use the power of sport to challenge the status quo and create a safer, more equitable, and inclusive society. Through transformational leadership, we empower individuals to fuel change for themselves, their communities, and the world.
Founded in 1985 by civil rights icon and activist Dr. Richard Lapchick, The Institute is an innovator in collegiate and professional sport organizations and specializes in addressing the needs of high-profile groups. The Institute delivers training, technical assistance, research, and policy development focused on leadership, equity, and social justice. Current partners include the NCAA, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Minnesota Twins, the PAC-12 Conference, UCF Athletics, the Sports Lawyers Association, and NASCAR to name a few.
