External Relations leadership team will elevate Pitt’s engagement

A new leadership team within Pitt’s External Relations division has been established, a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s public engagement and advancing its long-term strategic goals.

Kevin Washo (A&S ’04), senior vice chancellor for external relations, introduced the newly structured team, saying the integrated unit brings together key outward-facing functions to enhance the University’s visibility and drive impact across sectors.

“This leadership team is poised to build a world-class external relations enterprise at Pitt,” said Washo, a Pitt alumnus and former trustee. “I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such outstanding individuals who bring both exceptional capabilities and a people-first approach.”

The announcement comes as Pitt prepares to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign, a cornerstone of its strategic plan, the Plan for Pitt 2028. Chancellor Joan Gabel emphasized the importance of the new structure in an April message to the University community, noting that aligning external engagement efforts will “maximize our public impact” and strengthen connections with alumni, industry and public sector partners.

Washo, who has served in senior roles within the chancellor’s administration for more than seven years, has overseen several high-profile initiatives, including the development of a new brand and communications platform and the expansion of the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs. He was tapped to chair the Bylaws Committee of the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education and was named a Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award winner in 2024.

Meet the External Relations leadership team

The leadership team will play a pivotal role in driving the Plan for Pitt 2028, elevating the University’s national profile and fostering meaningful partnerships across the University, commonwealth and beyond.

• Lina Dostilio has been appointed as the inaugural vice chancellor for external relations. In this critical role, Dostilio will serve as Washo’s deputy, working across External Relations, the wider University and external partners to ensure cohesion and the advancement of strategic priorities. She will also lead a portfolio focused on maximizing Pitt’s public impact: aligning community engagement, economic development and public impact storytelling.
• E.J. Borghetti will join the team as special assistant to the senior vice chancellor for external relations. In this role, Borghetti will foster and steward key external constituents, amplify institutional storytelling to expand the University’s reach and reputation and serve as a strategic advisor to external relations leaders. Borghetti brings with him 28 years’ experience at Pitt and is currently one of the longest-tenured members of Pitt Athletics, serving as executive associate athletic director of communications and chief spokesperson.
• David Brown serves as vice chancellor for government relations and advocacy, where he is the Pitt’s chief advocate on all legislative and regulatory matters at the local, state and federal levels. His team analyzes legislation, plans the University’s response to proposed policies, and maintains productive relationships with government officials and agencies.
• Tom Crawford is the interim leader of the philanthropic division of Pitt and its clinical partner, UPMC. Crawford oversees all fundraising and stewardship efforts, playing a pivotal role in cultivating the relationships and securing the resources necessary to fuel the University’s growth and impact as it prepares for its first comprehensive campaign in almost a decade. He is recognized for his incredible ability to connect with people and secure transformational gifts for Pitt’s highest priorities, including the $100 million gift from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
• Jamilah “Jamie” Ducar will assume leadership of engagement and community affairs (ECA). Ducar leads the University’s community affairs functions and supports infrastructure that enables world-class community engagement practice. She most recently spearheaded Pitt’s reapplication process for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.
• Nancy Merritt, vice chancellor for alumni relations, fosters strong connections with Pitt’s global network of alumni and facilitating lifelong engagement with the University. She leads her team in ensuring every pathway of involvement is available to Pitt alumni, keeping their voices central to the University’s mission.
• Rachel Richelieu serves as vice chancellor for University communications and marketing. Richelieu directs the integrated communications and marketing strategy supporting Pitt’s world-class research and scholarship, academic achievements, groundbreaking partnerships and innovations, and pioneering faculty and staff. 
• Lila Rose is chief of staff for external relations and will drive the strategic development and execution of initiatives aimed at strengthening the University’s internal and external relationships. Her focus is on cultivating key partnerships, enhancing communication strategies and aligning external engagement efforts with Pitt’s overarching goals.