PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Director of Seattle Operations Ashley Hart was selected as one of 13 recipients nationwide to the 2020 National Association of Athletic Development Directors Bobby Purcell Mentor program.

The program focuses on broadening the learning opportunities for the entire membership that allows the organization and NAADD campus members to draw on the power of fresh ideas and perspectives.

"This is the sixth year of the program and the interest continues to grow from our membership," said NAADD Executive Committee member Ryan White, senior associate athletics director for development at The University of Kansas. "We all didn't get to where we are today without the help of others. This program focuses on developing relationships with industry leaders that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to the recipients on being selected into the program."  
 
Hart joined the Cougar Athletic Fund in May 2019 as the Director of Seattle Operations. In her role with the CAF, Hart is responsible for development and engagement efforts in the greater Seattle area.
 
Prior to WSU, Hart served as the Associate Director of Development at the University of Arizona. While in Tucson, she contributed to the recent $68 million capital campaign, which enabled a new indoor facility, four stadium renovations, and benefited 500 student athletes. She was also in charge of all fundraising initiatives for the 2019 WNIT Championship basketball team.
 
The Seattle native received her bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Riverside, where she was captain of the cheerleading squad. Following her time in Southern California, she finished her master of sports management degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe while serving as the Director of Development for the Athletics Department.
 
This initiative is named after Bobby Purcell who has served in a number of capacities since joining the NC State athletics department in 1981, including serving as Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club since 1991. Purcell has been a champion for mentoring fundraisers on his campus and around the nation his entire career.