Colorado University Athletics
Colorado Names Derek Steinbach Deputy Athletic Director for Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives
April 07, 2026 | General, Buff Club
Seasoned Collegiate Athletics Fundraising Professional Will Lead CU Athletics’ Buff Club
BOULDER, Colo.-- The University of Colorado Boulder has named Derek Steinbach its new Deputy Athletic Director for Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives, the university announced today. Steinbach will serve as head of the CU Athletics Buff Club and lead all fundraising initiatives in service of the department and its over 300 student-athletes.
Steinbach comes to CU from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he served as Associate Vice President of Development for the University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association as well as Assistant Athletic Director. He led a high-performing team that generated more than $518 million in capital support during his tenure, including a school-record $121 million in new gifts received and committed in a single year. His fundraising accomplishments include numerous principal gifts, highlighted by a $20 million individual gift, one of the largest in program history, as well as expanding active major gift commitments to more than 350 in the last three years. Steinbach brings more than 14 years of experience in collegiate athletics fundraising across both the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences, with deep expertise in major gifts, annual giving, campaign leadership, and donor engagement.
"Derek's experience will contribute to CU Boulder's growing fundraising enterprise, helping elevate the experience of our donors and fans," said Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk. "We look forward to welcoming Derek and his family to Boulder."
"We are so excited to have Derek join our Buff Family," said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "In this new era of college athletics, success is dependent on bold, innovative thinking, and Derek brings a proven track record of leading dynamic teams that are focused on building relationships. I am confident that he will elevate our fundraising efforts and I'm looking forward to working alongside him to take the Buff Club to new heights."
"I am excited to join the team at Colorado and to work alongside the donors, alumni, and campus leaders who care deeply about the future of this university," said Steinbach. "I look forward to building strong partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience and help accelerate Colorado's ambitions. Serving as a leader for both Athletics and Advancement is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am eager to collaborate in ways that strengthen tradition while expanding what is possible for Colorado in the Big 12 and on the national stage. I am grateful to Fernando, Katy and their teams for their trust and support, and I am ready to get to work."
Steinbach arrived at the University of Wisconsin in 2016 and quickly advanced from Director of Development - Premium Seating & Major Gifts to Senior Director of Development to Associate Vice President of Development. Prior to that, he worked at the University of Missouri – Columbia, serving in a number of roles in their athletic department, including Director of Annual Giving.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Steinbach was a four-time letter winner on the Badgers track and field team and a member of two Big Ten Conference championship teams, competing in the decathlon and javelin. He went on to earn a Master of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington–Seattle.
Steinbach comes to CU from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he served as Associate Vice President of Development for the University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association as well as Assistant Athletic Director. He led a high-performing team that generated more than $518 million in capital support during his tenure, including a school-record $121 million in new gifts received and committed in a single year. His fundraising accomplishments include numerous principal gifts, highlighted by a $20 million individual gift, one of the largest in program history, as well as expanding active major gift commitments to more than 350 in the last three years. Steinbach brings more than 14 years of experience in collegiate athletics fundraising across both the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences, with deep expertise in major gifts, annual giving, campaign leadership, and donor engagement.
"Derek's experience will contribute to CU Boulder's growing fundraising enterprise, helping elevate the experience of our donors and fans," said Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk. "We look forward to welcoming Derek and his family to Boulder."
"We are so excited to have Derek join our Buff Family," said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "In this new era of college athletics, success is dependent on bold, innovative thinking, and Derek brings a proven track record of leading dynamic teams that are focused on building relationships. I am confident that he will elevate our fundraising efforts and I'm looking forward to working alongside him to take the Buff Club to new heights."
"I am excited to join the team at Colorado and to work alongside the donors, alumni, and campus leaders who care deeply about the future of this university," said Steinbach. "I look forward to building strong partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience and help accelerate Colorado's ambitions. Serving as a leader for both Athletics and Advancement is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am eager to collaborate in ways that strengthen tradition while expanding what is possible for Colorado in the Big 12 and on the national stage. I am grateful to Fernando, Katy and their teams for their trust and support, and I am ready to get to work."
Steinbach arrived at the University of Wisconsin in 2016 and quickly advanced from Director of Development - Premium Seating & Major Gifts to Senior Director of Development to Associate Vice President of Development. Prior to that, he worked at the University of Missouri – Columbia, serving in a number of roles in their athletic department, including Director of Annual Giving.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Steinbach was a four-time letter winner on the Badgers track and field team and a member of two Big Ten Conference championship teams, competing in the decathlon and javelin. He went on to earn a Master of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington–Seattle.
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