Phil Gibson joined Syracuse University Athletics and the ’Cuse Athletics Fund as Director of Athletics Giving in July, 2023. In his role at Syracuse, Gibson pursues increased philanthropic support for SU Athletics’ top priorities through the Legend Society and major gift fundraising initiatives. He is responsible for supporting national regions including Greater Boston, New England and California.
A seasoned development professional with 21+ years of higher education experience as a major gift officer, manager, and team builder, Gibson comes to SU from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where he most recently served as Director of Leadership Giving for 12 years. In this role, he managed a team of five Leadership Gift Officers and worked directly with the College President, Director of Athletics and other senior leadership to cultivate and solicit alumni and parents for gifts up to $3M+. Gibson directly raised more than $26M in outright and planned gifts as part of a successful $420M comprehensive campaign, and secured funds for numerous capital projects, including the $95 million Luth Athletics Complex.
Prior to this role, he served eight years as a Leadership Gift Officer at HC, managing a portfolio of alumni and parents from throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. Before Holy Cross, Gibson worked for three years in the Babson College Athletics Department after serving as a Bushnell Intern at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
A native of Concord, MA, Phil earned his BA from the College of the Holy Cross and his MBA from Babson. In addition to his professional career in fundraising, Gibson has long enjoyed a variety of coaching roles, including youth baseball and softball as well as high school baseball and golf.
Phil, his wife and three kids live in Carlisle, MA where he is based.
