Friends and colleagues,

I wanted to share the exciting news that Deanna Gumpf will serve as the Senior Director for the Southwest team, effective this coming Monday, August 12.

When we announced Shelby’s transition in June, we shared that we were moving forward with a preference to promote from within our department, having recently conducted a search in April for two open Senior Director positions. After several conversations with internal candidates and formal interviews with our Senior Directors, UR Executive leadership, and key partners, including our diversity catalyst, Deanna emerged as the right leader for our team.

Deanna’s servant leadership speaks for itself, including 23 years of leading the Notre Dame softball program to 882 wins and stepping down as the winningest head coach in Notre Dame athletics history. Since joining our team a little over a month ago, she has made clear both her urgent desire to learn this work to make a difference for Notre Dame, and to get there by investing completely in the success of those around her.

While Deanna will assume this position immediately, please reach out to both of us for any questions or items related to the Southwest team. With Deanna participating fully as a member of our first RD Intensive cohort from September 30 to November 7, I will continue to assist in leading the team through mid-November.

Thanks to everyone for your patience and feedback throughout this process. And please join me in thanking and congratulating Deanna Gumpf!

All the best,
Ryan