Pratt Institute has named Todd Michael Galitz, a senior fundraising professional with more than 14 years of development experience, as its new Vice President for Institutional Advancement. His appointment will begin on August 24, 2009.

Galitz comes to Pratt Institute from the Asia Society, where he served as vice president of external affairs and oversaw that institution’s wide-ranging fundraising efforts. Prior to his appointment as vice president in 2005, he served for four years as Asia Society’s director of foundation and corporate relations, and he previously held fundraising positions at Columbia University and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to his development background, Galitz brings to Pratt his experience as a scholar and educator. He has a doctorate in history from Brown University, and has held teaching positions at Brown, Hunter College, and Manhattan College.

As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Galitz will be responsible for leading Pratt’s overall development and external relations efforts, which include raising funds for such institutional priorities as student scholarships, faculty development, buildings and grounds, historic preservation, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement.

“Based on his outstanding record of achievement, I am confident that Todd will be an extraordinary fundraiser,” said Pratt Institute President Thomas F. Schutte. “His impressive background and expertise in both the arts and higher education will be essential as we embark on an ambitious plan to secure Pratt’s place as the preeminent training ground for 21st century creative professionals.”

Some of Galitz’s most significant accomplishments at the Asia Society include successfully completing an $81 million capital campaign, directing a $30 million annual international fundraising and membership program, overseeing the institution’s record-breaking $4 million fundraising dinner, doubling annual corporate contributions, and creating a new business advisory council as well as a corporate diversity outreach program.

Galitz, who was the recipient of an Andrew W. Mellon Teaching Fellowship and a University of Warwick Research Fellowship, also holds a master’s degree in history from Brown University and a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from the University of Southern California, where he graduated magna cum laude.

“I am honored to serve at Pratt, which has such a distinguished history and, at the same time, a dynamic and forward-looking educational vision,” said Galitz. “I welcome working closely with the entire Pratt community in achieving the Institute’s ambitions for the future.”