Athletics: Ken Winstead to Join SU Athletics as Senior Fundraiser

“Ken brings a long career of highly successful fundraising expertise to Seattle U. He knows the area and people in the Northwest well and will be a welcome addition to our athletics staff,” said Hogan.

Winstead comes to Seattle U from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, La., where he has served as Senior Associate Athletic Director since February 2012. He was previously the Assistant Development Director at Colorado State University from 2009 until making the move south.

“It is truly an honor to represent Seattle University, an outstanding institution whose faculty and staff care so deeply for the wellbeing of their students and surrounding community. The move to Division I is a point of pride for the entire school,” Winstead said. “I am eager to work closely with our alumni and friends to increase private support and continue growing the annual operating budget for athletics. A great foundation has been established; quality coaches, staff and student athletes are already in place. This is the time for everyone associated with Seattle U to join our team and play a key role in moving the entire program to the next level.”

Winstead is very familiar with the Pacific Northwest, spending time at the University of Washington as the Associate Athletic Director for Fund Development from 1998 to 2008. He oversaw operations of the Tyee Development Office, Big "W" Club and ticket offices, and also assisted in fundraising opportunities and capital development.

In Montlake, Winstead helped to direct Washington’s "Campaign for the Student-Athlete," which included a $100 million upgrade of five athletic facilities. The effort funded a major renovation of the basketball arena, construction of indoor and outdoor practice facilities and the construction of a combined crew house/academic services facility.

Before arriving in Washington, Winstead was the Director of Development for USA Wrestling, where he coordinated a $10 million major gift campaign. He was Associate Athletic Director at the University of Houston from 1994 to 1997, and oversaw the department’s development, marketing, broadcasting and sports information departments.

Winstead began his career in intercollegiate athletics as Assistant Athletic Director for Development at Georgia Southern from 1982 to 1986. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Ohio University in 1980 and 1981, respectively. He has two children, Alex and Sydney.