The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is pleased to announce that Vince Russo has been appointed Major Gifts Officer following an extensive search led by Director of Development Kelly Sanzari, in partnership with PAE.
Russo joins Pitt Law from the University’s central Major Gifts team, where he managed a West Coast portfolio and delivered strong philanthropic results. Since joining Pitt in May 2024, he has made an immediate impact—qualifying 18 major gift prospects and securing $1.7 million in philanthropic support, including a $1.2 million gift to the School of Social Work earlier this fiscal year. He is widely regarded for his collaborative, relationship-driven approach and his ability to build effective partnerships across the University.
In his role at Pitt Law, Russo will build a growing pipeline of prospective donors and play a key role in strengthening philanthropic engagement to support current alumni and the Law School’s academic mission and strategic priorities.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Pitt Law at such an exciting moment for the School,” Russo said. “Pitt Law has a powerful mission, an engaged alumni community, and extraordinary momentum. I look forward to building meaningful partnerships with our alumni and friends in support of the Law School’s future.”
Prior to Pitt, Russo held senior advancement roles with the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation, where he contributed to the organization’s most successful comprehensive campaign to date. He earned his BA in Communications–Applied Journalism from Robert Morris University.
Beyond his professional work, Russo is deeply engaged in the Pittsburgh community. He is a longtime volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and was named Big Brother of the Year in 2025. He is also a play-by-play sports broadcaster and an active local musician.