Cynthia “Cindi” L. Roth
After nearly 13 years of visionary leadership, Cynthia “Cindi” L. Roth has announced plans to retire as president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia University Foundation in the fall of 2026.
Her retirement marks the culmination of a transformative era defined by historic growth, record-breaking philanthropy and bold investments in the future of WVU.
“I have had the privilege of working with Cindi over the past 10 years as a director on the Foundation Board and currently as Board chairman,” J. Wayne Richards said. “The accomplishments of the WVU Foundation under her leadership have been incredible. With record levels of fundraising, she and her talented team have been focused on new and creative ways to advance our mission and support the University even more.
“The Foundation will be forever grateful for her leadership, dedication and service over the past 13 years. I and all of the Board members wish her the best in her upcoming retirement.”
Roth began her tenure as president of the Foundation in January 2014, bringing with her a deep commitment to mission-driven leadership and a passion for advancing higher education. She joined the Foundation from the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as associate vice chancellor of institutional advancement.
Earlier in her career, she spent several years as a registered nurse and hospital administrator in Pennsylvania, which shaped her people-first leadership style and unwavering focus on impact and outcomes.
“I have had the deep privilege to serve this extraordinary Foundation, forging some of the best relationships of my professional career,” Roth said. “I strongly believe that leaders must establish the groundwork to create the focus and momentum to achieve new levels of success, then pave the way for the next level of leaders to go onward to even greater heights. I have been blessed with an amazing career, and I am now looking ahead to retirement knowing that the Foundation is ready for an amazing future to fulfill its mission serving West Virginia University.”
Under Roth’s leadership, the WVU Foundation achieved unprecedented growth and momentum. Assets managed by the Foundation nearly tripled, soaring from $1.4 billion to $3.7 billion, while annual fundraising more than doubled, climbing from just over $100 million to a record $282.6 million.
Support flowing directly to the University also reached new heights. Annual disbursements from more than 6,000 endowed and non-endowed funds increased from $59 million to more than $120 million, empowering transformative investments in students, faculty, academic programs and the health sciences enterprise. Meanwhile, the endowment fund grew from $635 million in 2014 to $922 million, strengthening WVU’s and the Foundation’s long-term financial sustainability.
“For more than a decade, Cindi has been a loyal supporter of the educational and professional journeys of our University students, faculty and staff in her role as president and CEO of the WVU Foundation,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said. “In that time, the WVU Foundation has seen its fundraising expand and evolve in ways that have set us on a positive course to ensure the University’s future success. We sincerely thank Cindi for everything she has done for WVU and wish her well in retirement.”
Roth’s tenure was marked not only by financial performance, but also by strategic and operational modernization. She championed the creation of three WVU Foundation strategic plans during the past 13 years, as well as significant technological advancements to elevate engagement with current and prospective donors.
The Foundation expanded its team to support growing philanthropic momentum while also launching initiatives to cultivate a culture grounded in trust, transparency and teamwork, helping to position the organization as a high-performing team and destination employer in higher education advancement.
“During the past 12-plus years, I’ve had the privilege to work directly with Cindi on strategic and operational matters,” Mike Augustine, WVU Foundation chief operating officer/chief financial officer and treasurer, said. “She has brought a renewed energy and exceptional high-performance culture to our organization. Cindi was razor-focused on unlocking the potential of the Foundation through enhanced private support while building capacity, exceptional customer service, and overall financial stability and performance.
“Over the past decade, together, we have built a strong financial base through sound business practices and measured growth, positioning the Foundation for continued success.”
Progressing the broader WVU enterprise was also central to Roth’s leadership. Private philanthropy played a critical role in the construction of Reynolds Hall, home of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics; the establishment of a new children’s hospital serving families across the state and region; and planning for a new cancer hospital that will further transform health care in West Virginia and beyond. These efforts underscore the powerful role of philanthropy in preparing students for the future and improving lives statewide.
Roth also led the successful completion of “A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University,” which raised more than $1.2 billion, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the University’s history. Building on that momentum, she has been guiding preparations for the Foundation’s next comprehensive campaign, anticipated to launch publicly this fall, positioning the organization for its next chapter of bold impact to reach new heights for the entire WVU community.
“As I reflect on my time serving the WVU Foundation, WVU and WVU Medicine, I am honored to have built a strong team, hiring and leading incredibly talented professionals dedicated to the deep mission of securing the critical resources needed to support this gem of a land-grant, R1, Division 1 enterprise focused on excellence in education, research and patient care,” Roth added.
Roth made history as the first woman to lead the WVU Foundation and only the sixth president since its founding in 1954. Her 13-year tenure is the second longest in the organization’s history, marking a legacy defined by growth, innovation and enduring impact for generations of Mountaineers.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors will launch a nationwide search for its next president and chief executive officer, seeking a leader to build upon the momentum established during Roth’s tenure and usher in the next era of philanthropic and organizational excellence.