New IU Foundation VP of development looks to promote collaboration

Christopher Ritrievi will become the new vice president of development for the IU Foundation on Feb. 28.

Currently executive director of development for the arts at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Ritrievi will be responsible for helping to create partnerships and collaboration with the centralized advancement and fundraising programs.

“I am really excited about it,” he said. “It is a great opportunity. IU is a tremendous university, and my wife and I are just pleased to have the opportunity to become part of it.”

Ritrievi was selected for the position about three weeks ago after a nationwide search where Lauren Robel, dean of the IU Maurer School of Law, led the screening committee.

“I started some interviews in Indianapolis in December, and they invited me to Bloomington in early January,” Ritrievi said. “About a week later, they called and offered me the job.”

He said he hopes to create an environment where the different departments work together to reach their goals.

“The main thing really is to facilitate an environment of collaboration among all the fundraising entities,” he said.