Heidi DeWitt Woodbury joined the University of Utah’s senior leadership team as the new vice president for institutional advancement on February 1, 2019. Previously, she served as the assistant dean for external relations at the David Eccles School of Business. An alumna of the U, she was selected after a vigorous, competitive national search. She succeeds Fred Esplin, who is retiring.

“Heidi is trusted and respected by her colleagues,” said President Ruth V. Watkins. “She is widely recognized for her collaborative, positive, and team-building style, her remarkable ability to build long-standing relationships with external stakeholders, and her impressive work ethic.”

Woodbury began her career at the U as chief advancement officer for KUER-FM, the university’s public radio station. She joined the Eccles School in 1996, serving in various leadership roles before becoming assistant dean. In that position, Woodbury was responsible for guiding all aspects of the business school’s advancement efforts.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the University of Utah as vice president for institutional advancement,” Woodbury said. “Fred Esplin has done an amazing job in this role, and, because of his attention and dedication, I have a solid foundation to build on. I am excited to work with President Watkins and the leadership team in the years ahead as we strive to continue the
university’s momentum.”